Everyone seems to have some sort of a live-streaming service connected to their televisions. We have Discovery+. Disney+ is popular as well as others. The plus sign is what draws us in. We love to get more for our money, more bang for our buck. In church, we like to think along these same lines. We desire to follow Jesus, but with a plus sign added; Jesus+.
Every believer is called to follow Jesus. You are not called to follow Jesus with a + added after Him.
What does the plus sign mean? Anything that is not of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or God’s Word. You fit into this category. Your flesh, your sinful nature, your own desires and wants like to adhere itself to Jesus. Look at what Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Do not add to His words, or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.” Read Deuteronomy 13:1-18 and pay attention to how easy it is to live by Jesus+. Idolatry is a word to describe the plus sign. “Be led astray, secretly enticing you, to go worship others gods, scoundrels among you leading their fellow citizens astray,” are realities of our sinful world that are found in this passage.
So, how do we follow Jesus where the adulterous plus sign won’t attach itself?
Live like the apostle Paul. He lived by Christ, and Christ only. He did not add any kind of + to his faith or his life. Read Philippians 1:20-30 to learn the posture of Paul’s heart towards Jesus, then talk with God and ask Him to help change you where you heart beats for Jesus only.
To live without the adulterous plus sign like Paul, this passage gives you 11 lifestyle ways to keeping Jesus front and center in your life:
- Paul fully expects and hopes that Jesus will come through for Him. God will not allow him to be ashamed of believing His Son. Paul trusted God. How much do you trust God, like really trust Him?
- Paul remained bold for Christ. No matter where life took Paul, his mission was to show off Jesus. Do others see Christ in you?
- Paul trusted God that He would use Paul’s life to bring honor to Christ. Paul let God have his way with him. Does Jesus have His way with you or do you fight Him?
- Paul knew that his life mattered to God. If he was alive on earth, he would live for Christ. If he died, it was even better for he was in Christ’s presence. Do you live for Jesus only?
- Paul understood that his life had purpose. He was to help others grow and experience joy because of their faith. Are you discipling others to know and walk with Jesus?
- Jesus worked through Paul to bring His message to others. Paul had a willing heart. Are you willing to follow Jesus before all else?
- Every believer is to live as a citizen of heaven while on earth. What plus sign additives need to be removed for this to happen?
- Every believer is to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. What plus sign additives need to be removed for this to happen?
- Believers are to stand together in ONE SPIRIT and ONE PURPOSE; fighting together for faith in Christ. Do you have a community of true believers to share life with?
- Every believer is not to be intimidated in any way by their enemies. Is your faith solid enough to withstand the onslaught of the devil’s ways? Can you discern his traps?
- Every believer has the privilege of trusting Jesus as well as suffering for Him. Believers struggle together. Are you walking in a community of true believers, and not walking solo?
Paul let Jesus change his life from the inside out. He came to believe Jesus and allowed Him to reshape his life to become a Kingdom builder. You are called to let Jesus change you. He will help you to believe and trust. Will you let Jesus reshape your life. God wants you to join the Kingdom builders club. There are great (+sign) benefits if you do 🙂
Carol J German 