Weekly Devotional 7-6-20 A Freeloader or A Follower
A few years ago my wife and I was at the dedication of a new building at a nearby Christian Camp. We were sitting at a table with a friend when a middle-aged man asked if he could join us as there was a large turnout and seating was limited. When he was seated, he introduced himself as did each of us. We exchanged pleasantries, as strangers will do at such gatherings. He informed us that he lived just across the road from this camp and he had been coming into the campground for twenty some years. We were on the fourth floor of this new building enjoying hors d’oeuvres that had been furnished. Shortly thereafter, our new acquaintance asked if hors d’oeuvres were being served on any of the other floors. We informed him that that was the case, at least on the first floor. He excused himself saying that he was going to go down to that floor and “load up” again giving us the impression that he didn’t want to be seen loading his plate several times by those who had set up the spread. The rest of us, without hesitation, came to the same conclusion this person was taking advantage of the situation, a freeloader. For twenty some years he had been availing himself of what He could gain from the Campground without being associated with it. Of course we might have been completely wrong in our assumption, and if so, may we each be forgiven.
Nonetheless, this experience led me to consider that there are many today who attend such things as camping trips, sporting events, men’s or ladies’ fellowships, Bible studies, worship services and various other functions, yet they are not truly Christian. They participate for a myriad of reasons: entertainment, fellowship, recognition, stirring sermons, etc., but are not true born-again believers. They have deceived themselves or have been deceived into believing that because they like some of what happens in the Christian world, they want to be a part of it. This of course is tragic. They associate their liking of these things with being in a right relationship with God, but Jesus said that unless a person loves Him (Jesus, who was and is God) more than anything else, even life itself, they have no standing with Him. Consider His words to the crowds that
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followed him because of the many miracles (signs) that He had been doing in their midst,
“26If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (prefer less) his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-33 NKJV).
Being a follower of Jesus (God in the flesh) is much more than associating with and participating in Christian activities. It is a commitment to His Lordship, loving and serving Him.
Steve
stevelampman.com
Ascribed to by Oscar Leske – F/B- Signs of Our Times www.Understandingthesignsofourtimes
Lian Muan Kim Koinonia Baptist Seminary-Yangon, Myanmar