People join things all the time. As relational beings we find enjoyment by becoming part of something larger than ourselves where we can cooperate in unity with our fellow like minded people. We join sports teams, social groups, and organizations for a cause. We happily sign on and commit ourselves to wearing the uniform, abiding by the rules, and contributing our time, effort and finances. We go further and join organizations that consume our whole lives for a purpose such as the military, humanitarian aid groups, and political parties. In every case we see joining the organization as a privilege of those who are willing to make the sacrifice and conform to the group for its cause. We even give slogans to this sacrifice like “the few, the proud, and the brave.” In reality we are joyful and proud to be a part of the group and we work diligently to serve them, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Why then do we believe that surrendering our lives to Christ, living, and serving him with our lives is somehow a legalistic expectation of occult attitude? Jesus tells us to be a part of “his group” we, must be willing to count the cost and pay the price (Luke 14:25-30). We must willing sacrifice our lives, that is time, ability, and desires to become a part of his family. Jesus does not force or coerce us into serving, we gladly turn our lives over to him because we BELIEVE in him. It is not a payment for salvation or earning his promises. We are, of our own free will, joining him in his mission and willing sacrifice everything for his cause.
The other side of this is to be a part of any organization or team participation is mandatory. You cannot join a sports team and not wear the jersey, show up for practice, and play the game. You cannot join the military and expect to stay home and not serve. You cannot even join the local VFW if you are unwilling to pay your dues. Why then do we believe that we can honestly say we are part of team Jesus if we do not show up and serve? This is the other side of being Christian and the warning of Christ. If you are not joyfully and willingly participating, sacrificing, and proclaiming, then chances are you were never on the team.
-By Pastor Christopher Arnold