guest post by Mike Cala
I call you Lord and I dedicated my life to you . . .
I call you my Lord and I told You that all I have and all I am are Yours . . .
I call you Lord, pray that Your will be done and sing “I surrender all . . .”
BUT . . .
When you ask me to sponsor a foster child I say, “But Lord, I’m just making it paycheque to paycheque” – then go have a $4 latte or ice cap . . .
When You ask me to spend time with my neighbour who’s marriage is crumbling and teenage children are drifting away I say, “But Lord, I’m so busy with my family and church obligations already” – then go spend hours in front of the TV, checking emails or surfing on Facebook . . .
When You ask me to give $100 so that a family of 8 can have clean, safe water in the third world I say, “But Lord, I don’t have that much money at hand to give away on short notice” – then go fill up the tanks on my RV, quads, motorcycle or second car . . .
When You ask me to give back a tithe of all I earn in thanks and obedience I say, “Yes Lord” – but grudgingly make sure it’s a tenth and not a cent more . . .
When You ask me to spend time with You in Word and prayer I say, “But Lord, it’s so late and I’m tired. Tomorrow is a big day” – then go pop in a DVD or play a little Xbox until bedtime . . .
When You ask me to give up my desires and dreams for Your plans I say, “But Lord, You promised me the desires of my heart if I followed you!” – forgetting that You gave up everything for me before I even knew You.
So how can I call You Lord?
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
