Outer motivation does not work in the long run. We need inner motivation to get things done. This psychological principle is surprisingly true also in faith matters. If we are told (outer motivation) to behave or believe in certain ways, we are unlikely to meet those expectations. But if we have personally encountered Jesus (inner motivation), we follow his guidance with gladness. That’s why we should not force rules and regulations on others. We should let Jesus change people according to his plan.
Because Jesus is irresistible. Sinners flocked to him. Why do we then build fences?
Mary DeMuth writes in her new book Everything: “When we operate with a fence mentality, we constantly define who is in and out by our personal theological construct. But when we operate by considering Jesus as the well, drawing all to Himself, we can rest instead in His genuine irresistibility and His ability to draw others to Himself.”
This is a game changer. We all need water to survive. We all need Jesus to live. It’s not our job to fence others in or out. Our job is to become like him and welcome others to the well.
He [Jesus] cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (John 7:37-38, MSG)
We are called to move towards loving holiness.
To be holy is to embody God’s love.
We are called to love others, all kinds of people.
To love is to embody God’s grace.
We are called to invite people to the well.
To be welcoming is to embody God’s hope.
“Whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.” (John 4:14, CEB)
How can we do this? How can we embody God’s love, grace, and hope? How can we become irresistible followers of Christ? Never on our own. This happens only when we abide in Christ. And even then it’s not us but Christ and his irresistible love and wild grace in us.
Gracious God,
Give us Living Water!
Embrace us with your grace, hope and love!
Make us more Christ-like every day!
Enable us to embody your love, grace, and hope!
Empower us to invite others to your well!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
P.S. I’ve been selected to be part of Mary DeMuth’s launch team for Everything and I will be blogging through the book before the release date in October, using the book as a spring-board for blog posts. If you are interested in reading yourself the first two chapters before the book is available in the stores, you can get them through this link. Only 17 days to go for the big release date! Woot! Fun things to come! Here’s the trailer!
Q4U: How does the Irresistible Jesus change you?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as the Irresistible Jesus works in and through you!
Image courtesy of Russell Martin. Linking up today with Thought-Provoking Thursdays and Faith Filled Friday.
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