Imagine being at a basic training camp where everyone can train and proceed to any level available (think elite special forces) but training was completely optional and you completely wasted the opportunity either because you were simply unaware of the opportunity or because you were lazy, preferring comfort, in pursuit of pleasure, or unwilling to endure the suffering that is part of the process to become a mighty warrior royal. (Do you seriously think our Lord would give rule of anything to anyone unqualified? Salvation is a gift. Rule and rewards are earned [even that by the grace He supplies, but being careful not to waste it. See 1 Cor 15:10 ])

That basic training camp is life. And, how we use free will is part of the selection process (not for salvation, because salvation is not earned, but for “rule and rewards” that are earned).

If you can’t survive camp, you will by no means survive the War that’s coming.

Jesus came so that you would not be unaware, so that you would not waste the opportunity, so that you would have life in Him and so that you would be equipped to fight and rule.

The industrial church, with its easy bake Christianity, seeks to rob you of your reward now and in eternity, by making you docile pets that will be loyal to a place, to sit in a pew and put money in a plate.

“Let no one cheat you of your reward” -Colossians 2:18

After you have believed Jesus, press hard after Him. Go! Labor, strive, run, seek the Kingdom of God, take it with violence, fight to be wealthy toward God, for the true riches and an imperishable crown that does not fade away.

For me, that looks like renouncing the values of the principalities and powers of this world and instead accepting and proclaiming Christ –the coming of His Kingdom and laying down my life (my position, my possessions and my power) to grow and prosper the family of God by making Him known through love.

Grace makes it possible but it doesn’t make it easy.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Get your mind right, Christian.

#perfectourlove

Picture copyright Sophie Merlo – Flickr