Almost Doesn’t Count

In life there are a lot of things that you can almost do and still get away with, even though you probably shouldn't.  You can almost study for a test and still pass.  You can almost clean your room.  You can almost work and still collect a paycheck.  You can almost do a lot of different things in your life and fool almost everyone but God.  You see when it comes to following God, almost doesn't count.  A person can't almost follow Jesus, you either do or you don't. A person who thinks they might almost go to heaven still lands in hell.  You and I were not created for living an almost or halfway life.  Jesus says that He came that we might have a life that was abundant and full.  We were meant and designed for impact and to live a life that is LOUD for God.  Does a football team in the championship game get a trophy, even if they almost score the winning touchdown on the final drive?  No. They still lost. It doesn't matter if they finish on the 1 yard line or at midfield at the end of the game because the final score says they lost.  Jesus wants everything. He is calling you to follow Him with all that you are and have. 

In Luke 10:27, He says to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;" .  Nowhere in that verse do you find the words almost or half.  As a true Christian and follower of Christ you are making a commitment to love with all your heart, soul, mind, body, and strength.  There is no room for half-heartedness.  I am glad that Jesus didn't almost go to the cross and almost die for my sin. He was fully committed to the task of paying the price for my sin so I can fully be free from the power of sin and death.

God is not almost calling each of us to live for and follow Him.  He is calling us.  He desires us to respond and be fully committed to follow Him with all of our being wherever He leads.