Unfortunately, one of the biggest misconceptions we have is that we should leave our Christian lives up to chance. Never in history were we charged to do what we want, willy-nilly. In fact, Christ invites us to deny ourselves to follow Him. Believe me, this is a hard task, especially when you have been trained or socialized to operate differently. Jesus calls His followers to engage in a life of intentionality. If we truly desire to pursue Him, we have to see Him as our number one priority. 

And what does that look like? 

It may look like giving up dreams and aspirations to see the will of God revealed in one’s life. I talk to many people who have shared how God has pulled them from a space of lucrative income to be a pastor. It pains my heart sometimes when I hear these stories. Still, I applaud them for being obedient to God. Pursuing God intentionally may look like scrolling on social media less and spending that time reading Scriptures, even when they don’t hold meaning for you in the moment. It may mean letting go of your favourite TV show. It may mean sacrificing your time, using your talents without receiving thanks, giving your prized possession for His work. 

I wish there were a consolation I could give to those who deny themselves. There is no guarantee that we will get earthly possessions and an easier life once we make Jesus our choice. Sacrifice is like pulling candy from the hands of a candy maker. We will be stretched, slapped, chopped up, molded, and shaped the way the maker wants. He has the vision of what he wants the candy to become. Likewise, God has the vision of what we should become. That will hurt. We might feel like God has allowed us to get to rock bottom for no real reason at all. Our days may be filled with intense pain and tears. However, as a friend once said to me, sacrifices for God will not be in vain.

It’s up to us, therefore, to put our shoulders to the wheel. Or, like Jesus expressed in Luke 9:62, put our hand to the plough and never look back. Jesus was making a comparison between farmers and his followers in that verse. Farmers must be fully committed to the task at hand, working diligently every day because it demands so much from them.  Also, they cannot afford to take their eyes off the plough. They cannot afford to lose focus when they are ploughing fields to make a straight line. They have to be actively engaged. The moment they are distracted, they somehow undo the good work they have done. Bible commentator, David Guzik, also said something profound about this analogy. He said that Jesus used this illustration to remind His audience to hold on. There is no way a farmer can take his hand off the plough. This is a reminder to us all that through life’s challenges and storms, we need to hold on to the anchor of our souls. Any situation can box us about, but hanging on to the Messiah, His message, and mandate will allow us to reap real rewards. 

So, let us commit to never leaving our lives up to chance. Put in the work. Sacrifice. Be steadfast. Be zealous in pursuing the Lord. Intentionally grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. Though it is a tough process, it is a part of His greater plan. It will be worth it – both now and in the end. I promise.