You’ve likely seen the headlines… “Pastor Falls from Grace”… “Christian Leadership Scandal”… “Minister Resigns…” Sadly, these are actual posts; real-life stories of people who were committed to serving the Lord with their lives, but when temptation hit, they succumbed to sin, and the world looked on. No doubt, those who are in positions of Christian leadership swim in a giant fish bowl for all to see.
In Revelation 2, Jesus warns the Church in Thyatira to beware of the seductive temptress Jezebel. Many have tolerated her and given in to her sinful ways. Yet for those who stand firm, Jesus says, 25 “Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star.” (Revelation 2:25-28)
So what does it mean to “hold fast”… to “conquer”… and “keep my works until the end”? It doesn’t start in the pulpit, the foyer, the office, the counseling room, or even in the home. It begins in the heart.
In Proverbs 23:19 & 26, King Solomon wisely entreats, “My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.”…“O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.”
Giving God our hearts requires spending time with him. It includes surrender — relinquishing our own desires, thoughts, and feelings to him. It means allowing his light, grace, and forgiveness to shine on the areas that we keep hidden from the world. It involves listening for his voice and stepping out (or staying still) in faith, following when and where he leads. Giving God our hearts involves giving him every part of us, for God desires our wholeness. He cares deeply for our minds, bodies, emotions, relationships, vocations, resources, and spirit. Any part that is off-kilter can and likely will affect the whole.
In John 10:10, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” What are the thieves in your life that are seeking to steal, kill or destroy? What is most dear to your heart? To whom or what have you given your soul? Does what is on the inside match what the world sees?
Consider sitting with Jesus today and ask him to reveal what part you are holding onto — what have you not given to him? Your Creator’s desire for you is for your fullness, for rich abundance… for wholeness, for this is how he created you to live!
Lynette Fuson
Care & Counseling Director