Play or Obey

You actually don't have to be very old to look-back and see how things ... used to be. Younger generations may be unable to talk about telephone books or learning to drive on dirt roads but they can talk what's trending from season to season! Perhaps one thing missing today is ... real commitment - something Jesus said was very important. He said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24, ESV). Most recently I've observed the training of a new puppy; as puppies do, they had much rather play than obey. Isn't that also our way: we say we want to "follow" Jesus, know Him and live in obedience to Him but find we're unwilling to meet the demands of the commitment - we'd rather ... play than obey. Jesus said, "whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:38, ESV). There are so commitments without sacrifice (denying self); commitment always comes with some degree of giving up play-time and embracing the commitment whole-heartedly. Following Jesus extends across all generations! We are wise to consider our commitment to Christ: will we ... play or obey?