If someone goes to work at a job somewhere and performs their duties for their employer, what happens? That person gets a “reward” in the form of a paycheck. They spent their time working, and because of that they are deserving or “worthy” of some kind of reward.
To be “worthy” means that someone merits or is deserving of something. In a certain passage in the Bible it says that the laborer is worthy of his reward, meaning that he deserves something for his work and labor.
Well, the life of a Christian truly is a full-time commitment and responsibility, and to be worthy of Christ’s name we need to hold Him in a place above all others, and that means that there is nothing that deserves more of our love than Him.
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 10:37-39
Being a Christian is not about doing what you want to do. It is about doing the will of Christ. Before someone becomes a believer in Jesus, they might not spend time in prayer or attend church services or devotions. They might not show love or compassion to others in the way that a Christian would.
Each day for a Christian is another day that we need to live in the service of Christ. We don’t take a day or two off from being a Christian, and go and do whatever the carnal nature wants to do, and then come back. It is like a one-way lane on a highway. You cannot turn around and go the other direction. Day by day, year after year, Christians are called to take up their cross for Christ.
To “lose your life for Christ” is to give your life to Him, and let Him control the way you live. Gone with the pride, hate, and anger, and instead filled with humility, love, and joy. To live as He would.
For someone who has not accepted Christ yet, this might seem ridiculous or strange, that someone would give the control of their life to another, but that is what Christianity is about: serving Christ. We need to be His humble servants, obeying His every wish and command. We need to give our life to Him, because He gave His life for us.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Ephesians 4:1
Being a Christian is a lifetime commitment. Keep to that commitment, walking worthy of your calling, and you will one day receive your reward.
In Christ,
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 