Have you ever been in one of those moment's when you know that Jesus is really challenging you? He's exposing some sin or calling you to a deeper place or inviting you to step way out of the boat and do something ridiculous. You know that moment is ripe. It's fresh with potential and it's filled with promise and it could actually change your life.

Despite the reality that the moment is ripe, you choose to spoil the moment. Once again, Jesus is speaking.. it's clear... it's bringing you to a point of life-change... it's poignant... it's you.. it's Him... and you say, "Hey Jesus, can you break a $10?" Ever been there? You know, Jesus is saying 'let's go' and all you want to do is break a $10.. take care of your needs... maintain your personal path of happiness... revel in your sin.

Honestly, I have never felt a sense of 'gain' apart from Christ. I've never chosen sin, small goals, a faithless walk, mediocrity... never chosen any of those and felt that I experienced gain. I lose. Everytime that I trade a $10 for the passion of and for Christ, I lose. That seems to be where this bizarre fella was parked in Luke 12.13. In the midst of Jesus' impassioned teaching, he diverts Christ with a personal, self-serving question.

Here's where I am landing. I want Jesus to expose my sin...lay bare my equivocation about the faith. (Lk 12) I want Jesus to demand that my life be a confession of His grace and His love and His mercy and His justification and His righteousness and His rightness. I want to know that He demands that of me and I want to submit to Him. You know why? I have found that my life, submitted to God, is in the midst of 'gain'. I gain life and purpose and passion and focus and impact. I gain Christ! Is there anything else worth gain?

Jesus asked, 'what does it profit a person to gain the world and lose his soul... his core?' Nothing! I want gain.

Be free to comment.

For the Glory,

Mark