Are my expectations of God realistic? Does my commitment to God really mean that much to Him? Should I expect Him to shower me with about 62% of His favor and blessing as I offer Him about 62% of my commitment, my affection, my heart? Does God work on percentages? I don’t think so. More so, I think we are often personally blind to the negative impact on our lives which we bring about by our disregard and “casual” reverence for God.

I’ve seen time and again where people live “hit and miss” for God, their lives and families are in shambles, and yet they expect God’s favor and blessing and for Him to sweep in to rescue them.  Still, they make no connection to the fact their life only shows “bits and pieces” allegiance to God. Although God doesn’t demand perfection in our relationship or from our efforts, He’s not much into leftovers or half-heartedness from us either. God seems to be the “all in” type, wouldn’t you agree?   Really, He has gone “all in” for us. Isn’t that the message of the cross?

For Jesus to truly transform us into the person who resembles Him and lead us into the life that honors Him, gives us the greatest fulfillment and brings glory to His remarkable name, our hearts must be “all in” too. We can’t marginalize His expectations of us. We can’t please Him by majoring in what comes easiest to us or complying with what causes our least sacrifice or inconvenience. There are no short cuts to spiritual maturity. We must “press in” to know Him. We must learn His word and practice living by it. We must begin to understand and buy into (I know this is borderline heresy for Americans) a master/slave relationship and embrace dependence, not independence.  Ouch! But He is a good master. “All in?” What do you say? Give it a try?