We tend to be passionate about things that don’t matter, fanatics and fans about what won’t last. But we are afraid to look like fanatics for Jesus. We seem determined to portion Jesus out in acceptable portions, unwilling to appear fools for Christ. John Wesley was asked about the key to his ministry. He supposedly said (we can find only secondhand sources supporting this), “I ask God to set me on fire and let people watch me burn.”

I thank God that today I don’t just love Jesus as much as I used to, I love Him more. That is to His credit, and I’m deeply grateful. He’s what makes it so exciting and so worthwhile, and He’s the one who empowers me to walk “a long obedience in the same direction.” More than ever, I want to know Christ. How about you?

Give Jesus first place in your life. Don’t just let your life happen to you—choose what to do with it or in the end you’ll wonder where it went. If you’re going to persevere as Christ’s follower, you must consciously choose not to squander your life or let it idle away, but to invest it in what matters. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time” (Ephesians 5:15).

Perspectives from God’s Word

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10, NIV).

“In your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

Perspectives from God’s People

“The Fort Knox of faith is Christ. Fellowshipping with him. Walking with him. Pondering him. Exploring him. The heart-stopping realization that in him you are part of something ancient, endless, unstoppable, and unfathomable.” —Max Lucado

“The longer you know Christ, and the nearer you come to him, still the more do you see of his glory. Every farther prospect of Christ entertains the mind with a fresh delight. He is as it were a new Christ every day—and yet the same Christ still.” —John Flavel

Stock image credit: jewellanne via sxc.hu