"All In"

Once upon a time, a chicken and a pig lived on a farm. The farmer was very good to them and they wanted to do something nice for him. The chicken said, "I have a great idea! Let's make breakfast for the farmer tomorrow morning!" The pig, quite intrigued by this said, "Of course, what do you propose?" The chicken explained that the farmer loved a hot breakfast of ham and eggs. The pig replied, "That idea sounds well and good, but while you're only making a contribution, I'm making a total commitment!"

They both wanted to participate. You see, the chicken had an interest, but the pig had to be totally committed to the cause. As I read through Paul's letters to the churches, I can't help but think of this popular fable! Verses 5:13-14: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself." We have choices to make in this life. Many choices seem to be of small consequence, but actually each decision we make is a step in one direction or another. We can daily choose to walk with Christ, or choose to walk away. Choices not forsaking our salvation, but forsaking our commitment to the cause. We are bondservants. We are bought with a price, we serve out of love. Our life is not our own. We sacrifice it all for Him. Sound scary? Not when you realize the overwhelming love of the God we serve! He gives us dignity for our service. He lifts us up when we lower ourselves. More of Him, less of me.

You see, some of the people were "interested" in the conversion of Christianity, but they were not interested in total commitment. As verse 12 in chapter 6 states, "Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised." They wanted to serve Christ but "be in good" with the unconverted Jews, too. Sharing the love of Christ without compromising their lifestyle seemed to be on the agenda. But, winning souls for Christ is not a numbers game, it's a lifetime commitment to love the lost. One cannot serve two masters. We must make a commitment to testify at all costs in comfort, even when it seems irrational or unreasonable. To live for Christ is to serve Him no matter what. When you turn your life over to Him, you are saying that you trust Him and will do whatever He asks. Sometimes it's uncomfortable. Now, of course we will fail on days. Of course we will deny Him, and sometimes unintentionally. We will make the wrong choice when we have the opportunity to stand for Christ. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. God help us to be strong, but also wise!

Lack of commitment is a sign of a bad relationship. Be honest with yourself today about your commitment level to Him. Christmas is only hours away, what is Christ asking of you today? Will you serve Him? Will you honor Him out of love and not guilt? Will you love and obey Him on good days and bad? With family and friends who don't always make it easy to love? Will you love others as yourself.....for HIM? We are free in Christ! But, we have been called to liberty, only not as an occasion for the flesh, but an opportunity to love others! Love. LOVE. Love others this Christmas. Let Him define what that means for you individually.

I'll close with a final thought. If this illustration is true......and if breakfast is worth doing, then it would seem to me that you will need a lot of pigs, and not so many chickens. But, I'll let you ponder that one on your own today.