Lazy Spammers/ Lazy Christians

I’ve lost respect for some of the spammers that fill my junk email account. They are getting lazy. Today I received the following:

You have been awarded $1,500,000.00 in the Royal Dutch Shell. Send
Name:………
Address/Tel:….
Occupation:…..

That’s it. No sob story about an orphanage in Nigeria that I can fund with this fortune. No mention of the sender having terminal cancer and wanting to make sure that her multi-million dollar estate ends up in good Christian hands. Nothing about how I’m the lucky winner of a massive drawing and their legal team just needs to get some information (and a good faith deposit) before they can send me my winnings. Nothing but “You won $1.5 million. Send us your info.” How can they expect to get results with such a pitiful, pedestrian effort? I have no respect for criminals who don’t invest any energy into their crime.

On a related note: Jesus has no respect for Christians who don’t invest any energy into their faith. In Revelation 3 He said: “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit.” (Revelation 3:15-16 – MSG) Ouch! Tell us how you really feel, Jesus. Well, He did. Over and over. Back in Matthew 16:24 “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’” Notice He didn’t say: “If you want to follow me, just give me an occasional hour on Sunday morning and we’ll call it good”. He said “It’s all or nothing. I’m asking for your whole life, not a slice of the pie.” And I think that we’ve too often lost sight of what it means to follow Jesus. We’ve underestimated that kind of commitment He calls us to. Too many Christians are content with a lazy, pedestrian effort in their walk with Christ. But Jesus has no respect for that. No wonder they don’t experience the power of God in their lives.

But notice back in Revelation 3 Jesus follows the “hot or cold” condemnation with an invitation filled with grace. He said: “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Jesus tells us He is willing to forgive the spiritual laziness of our past, IF we will just fully open our hearts to Him and let Him take over. If we will give Him our WHOLE heart in complete, passionate devotion. Does Jesus have your whole heart? Is your level of commitment something He can respect? Or do you need to make a fresh commitment to fully follow Christ with reckless abandon – nothing held back? If so, do it NOW. It is a new day.