We sang a hymn at church called, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. I had to do a double-take though, because I thought for a second we were going to rock out to an Amy Grant song also called, I Have Decided. Actually, they both have the same theme. They’re both talking about taking a stand for Christ. They’re both about making a choice. The underlying message implies that the singer is done with being a milk toast Christian…it’s time to take a side. She wants to live according to truth.
Don’t get me wrong, neither song is about being aggressive or unkind. Just standing on and for the truth. I suppose that’s really how walking with Christ plays out. We either believe it or we don’t. We either live it or we don’t. All we have to do is read what Jesus said time and time again to know that He has no tolerance for hypocrites.
Take a Side
Revelation 3:16, in a letter to the Church at Laodicea, Jesus says something that makes my blood run cold. He says, So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. Take a side.
The hymn we sang says in part, Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back. Take a side.
An excerpt from I Have Decided by Amy Grant says, When the world begins to see you change, don’t expect them to applaud. Just keep your eyes on Him and tell yourself, I’ve become the work of God. I have decided, I’m gonna live like a believer, turn my back on the deceiver, I’m gonna live what I believe. Take a side.
I know. None of us likes confrontation. I know. If we’re quiet, everyone will be happy. But as my pastor, Hans Frei, so wisely and compassionately pointed out, Jesus died for everyone. And people who don’t know Christ need to see us living our faith, not being lukewarm. I would love to hear your take on this at Lifting Her Voice, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Leave a Reply