The Crusader Newspaper Group

A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking

By Effie Rolfe, Chicago Crusader

Jesus—the center of it all. I truly believe that in this life, whether it’s you, me, him, her, we, us or it…bottom line it’s all about Christ being front, center and all in between. God is looking for someone who is available to give Him glory in the earth realm. It’s not about your ability but rather your availability for the job. Your life and His plan are totally in His hand. Furthermore, your faith, prayer and salvation is all contingent upon God’s grace. We can do nothing without God.

Even in our prayers we should be mindful not to give excessive words. Eloquence of speech and long prayers does not impress Jesus. Matthew 6:7 states “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” Jesus has and always will look at the heart to determine your motive. He needs you to believe that you know that He is mighty enough to do the job. Know that strong faith in a weak plank will get you wet. But weak faith in a strong plank will get you across the ocean to the other side. Jesus is the strong plank and He knows we are weak and fragile. His only request is we have a tiny amount of faith the size of a grain of a mustard seed. Small faith is all God asks. That is a very small amount equivalent to about 5 grains of sand. So it’s still not about you, God does require that you trust Him for your needs.

It’s not of works lest any many should boast. So you’re at church every time the door opens and never missed a service. Great. Each year, you read the bible from cover to cover. Way to go. Out of the 15 auxiliaries at the church, you are in 10 of them and you are the #1 tithe giver. Praise God! It’s still not about your works or what you do. Once your salvation is tied to your works—then Jesus’ death on the cross becomes null and void. So is salvation about your works and how much you do or about God’s unwavering love for you? Does your long powerful prayers move God or is it the love He has for you and knowledge of what you need before you even pray? If works were the primary concern, then there would have no reason for Jesus death on the cross, his resurrection and more. Don’t get me wrong, you need to attend church service at a bible teaching and God filled church. Also, reading the word each day is great, but the minute you think that is what gains you favor rather than God’s untiring love, grace and mercy for you…then it becomes your work and not Jesus love. Paul told the Galatians ‘you did run well, but who did hinder you that you would not obey the truth. A little leaven leavens the whole loaf. So when you think some of your works will get God’s attention versus His love for you alone, then its you and not Him. It has to be one or the other. I choose Gods love.

Nothing else will do. God is jealous. He wants all or nothing at all. People demand the same from others they love. You want all of your husband’s heart and love. You want your wife to be totally devoted to you—nothing less will do. All relationships married or dating requires the same stipulations…so why try and undermind God? More of you and less of me. He wants all of your heart. If it was just works, the rich young ruler would have been the prime candidate. However, Jesus wanted more…his heart. He said go and distribute your goods to the poor. Well, that was the end of that story. The guy couldn’t give up what he had and turned and walked away. It’s been said Jesus really didn’t want him to give everything away, but wanted to see if he was willing to be obedient. Jesus was testing his motive, just as God tested Abraham’s heart with his son Isaac. Are you willing to give God what matters to you the most—your heart? Go ahead and do it. Don’t think so highly of yourself—you really aren’t that much. I hate to be the bearer of bad news—but we are but filthy rags and dust that will wither as the green grass. Our life is but a vapor. David said “you know my frame—I am as dust.” In the words of Richard Smallwood, let’s not only make Jesus the center but the circumference.

Who’s at the center of your life…?

© Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her at [email protected]. Listen to her show daily on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station).

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