Those days when my daughter cries for stuff, she knew we would eventually give her if she could persist in crying, and we did give her. But as she grew, we would insist that she would not be given, at least, not on her terms, but on our terms. We want the best for her. We want her to grow healthily and safely.
Friend, one of the demands of discipleship is that you follow God, not on your terms, but on His terms. If you always have your way with God, it is a sign that you are still a baby. Growth would demand that you submit to God and His terms. Christianity has never been a journey of comfort and convenience, it has always been a journey of sacrifice and denial (Luke 9:23).
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20). Contrary to what some people think, Christianity is never an addition, it is an exchange. God did not say; “Add Christianity to your existing life”, He says; “Drop your old life and receive my new life.” God did not say; “Just be attending Church, you would be fine, even if you still keep immoral relationships or consult with mediums.” God wants you to exchange your past for a new life in Him (Romans 6:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Christianity is beyond a change of name. It is a change of nature and behaviour. Saul did not just become Paul by a name change. His life and trajectory changed forever after meeting the Christ (Acts 9:1-22). You can change your name to Paul, Christian or even Jesus, if you have not encountered the man of Calvary, it is nothing but a cosmetic change. Transformation is inside-out, not outside-in (Romans 12:1-2).
Perhaps, the man that could have been the best replacement for Judas missed his destiny because he wanted to meet God on his term and not on God’s term (Luke 18:18-30). It is possible that you have fulfilled your own requirements for following Jesus but you have not fulfilled His own requirements. You may have fasted, given and all that, but God is saying; “Apologize to that neighbour or to your spouse.”
In this kingdom, we give up to go up. We let go to let God. What are you willing to give up so that you can go up with God and in destiny this season? What are you still holding on to that is keeping you from God’s best? Religion is man trying to reach God on his terms, Christianity is following God on His terms (Romans 10:1-4). Religion is a burden, Christianity is true freedom (John 8:31-32).
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria