“I want freedom to do what I want! No one is going to tell me what to do,” Kerry said.
“What will your life be like if you follow that philosophy, Kerry?” Samuel said.
“If I make lots of money,” Kerry said, “I can help more people and not be under stress trying to make ends meet.”
“It makes sense for this life, but what about for eternity?” Samuel said, “Have you considered the eternal consequences of not centering your life around Christ?”
Most Christians live for this world, not for Christ. Because their lives aren’t distinct from others, people avoid the church and Christianity. Luke 12 explains the Biblical convictions derived from discipleship.
1. Be authentic and transparent
Beware of hypocrisy because every secret will be revealed. Don’t fear people, but fear the One with authority to cast you into hell. Because God loves you, confess Him before men so He can confess you before angels. Rejecting the Holy Spirit has an eternal impact determining heaven or hell. God will teach you what to say when sharing the gospel (Luke 12:1-12). Be authentic and transparent in leading people to Christ.
2. Lay up treasure in heaven
Be on guard against every form of greed because life doesn’t consist of possessions. Laying up goods on earth for comfort and pleasure is short-sighted because everyone gives an account to God. It’s foolish to lay up treasure for yourself and not be rich toward God. (Luke 12:13-21). Lay up treasure in heaven by refusing materialism and greed.
3. Seek God’s kingdom first
Don’t be anxious as God provides for birds who neither sow nor reap. Have faith in God and don’t worry about food, clothing, and shelter because He knows you need these things. Seek first His kingdom and these things will be provided. Don’t be afraid because your Father has gladly given you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those with real needs so you lay up treasure in heaven (Luke 12:22-34). Seek God’s kingdom first by being generous and trusting Him to provide.
4. Live for Christ’s Second Coming
Be ready and alert for Christ’s second coming to welcome Him with open arms. The head of the house will prepare and protect himself from thieves breaking into his house. The Son of Man is coming at an hour you don’t expect (Luke 12:35-40). Live for Christ’s Second Coming by spiritual preparation.
5. Become a faithful steward
The faithful steward in charge of God’s possessions won’t beat his slaves because of his master’s delay. The unfaithful steward beats his slaves and the master assigns him a place with unbelievers. A slave who knew the master’s will but disobeyed will receive many lashes. The one who didn’t know but committed deeds worthy of flogging will receive few lashes (Luke 12:41-48). Become a faithful steward of time, talent and treasure obeying Christ.
6. Suffer persecution
Christ was distressed until His baptism since He brought division, not peace, to families. Three members will be against two, two against three, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, etc. (Luke 12:49-53). Suffer persecution in your family by identifying with Christ.
7. Consider eternal consequences
Hypocrites analyze the weather but not this present time. They don’t judge what’s right. If you have a dispute, it’s better to settle than risk having the authorities throw you into prison until the penalty is paid in full (Luke 12:54-59). Consider eternal consequences of your actions with proper judgment.
Action Steps: Ask God to develop the following four Biblical convictions derived from discipleship:
1. Consider the eternal consequences of heaven and hell. Does that motivate you share Christ?
2. Be spiritually prepared for Christ’s Second Coming.
3. Maximize your time, talent and treasure for God’s purposes.
4. Suffer persecution within your family by identifying with Christ.
