No. That's the short answer for those of you who speak fluent world view. It's also a true answer for many Christians. Why is that? Do we really believe the Word or do we think only parts here and there are true? Living the life of faith means we have to accept the unknown and unseen. Hearing that still small voice of God instructing us to be faithful and press on towards that goal which is found in our salvation through Christ Jesus. The caveat in the title isn't "Christ Jesus" but rather the small two words "all things". You see, it's not "our" all things but rather God's all things. Make sure you see the distinction. There is no other name in all of creation we can be saved by except the name of Jesus. Likewise, we cannot look to the world to answer the question. The world is ready to tell you that you have to take the bull by the horns and do what you think is right. Being better in the world means worse for the Kingdom. The world lacks belief and faith that makes it possible to do all things through Christ Jesus. We meander on the fence between the two and see that there are times when we acknowledge God and other times when we acknowledge the world. Jesus told us that if we had the faith the size of a mustard seed (smallest of seeds) that we could move mountains rather than being unmovable mountains ourselves.
God doesn't want us to move mountains but rather wants us to move people to his Son. How much faith does that take? Not much if you believe. Lots if you believe conditionally. Even less if you don't believe at all. Many look at the task of discipleship and throw up their hands as they see the task from the world's perspective. They see the job as someone else's job. They look at the job and feel overwhelmed so they do little or nothing. Ineffectual Christianity is the result of this lack of action. The Word carefully explains to us that all things are possible for those who know Jesus and do what he says. All things because Jesus is to be our all. We are to die to self and be consumed by Jesus who did all things. If we are consumed by Jesus we will spend our lives doing all things through Him who lives within us. If we don't give up our lives then we are god and he isn't. That's not good. Making the shift from being a believer who doesn't believe to a true believer means we let the Lord save our unworthy souls and see that nothing good resides in us except God's grace, love and mercy. Then and only then can Christ who lives within us do all things through us.
I was minding my own business the other day when I suddenly became aware that everything in my life is in front of me. There was nothing behind me that captivated my attention or actions. Looking forward is where we have success through Jesus. Looking back we give up on our faith in God and like the Israelites demand to go back to Egypt. Just how big is your enemy? Are they bigger than Jesus? They may be bigger than you but they aren't bigger than God. Living for Jesus means dying to self. Since it's no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me the answer to the question is a resounding "Yes!" As we look forward to this day and cease to live in yesterday, we exercise our faith in the One who saved our soul. Remember that it's always your choice.
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