With Him or Against Him

“Whoever isn’t with me is against me.” Luke 11:23(a) (CEB)

Sounds like pretty harsh words, doesn’t it? I don’t think Jesus’ intention was to speak harshly, rather plainly and factually. If one is not for Christ, then one is against Him. There can be no neutrality when Christ is involved. I know people that are in that place of neither for or against Christ and I bet they would argue that they’re against Him.

There is no way to be neutral about Jesus. He comes and challenges us to decide if we are going to follow Him or not. Simply ignoring Jesus, putting off a decision about him, treating him lightly, or looking at him as just another good religious person is not an option. We will either help and work with him, or we oppose him. Neutrality is really opposition. Disinterest is opposition. Jesus comes and asks us to decide to follow him, help him, and be His hands and feet.

The statement by Edmund Burke which says, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” could actually be reworded to pertain to following Jesus. What if it read, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil (Satan) is for man to disregard Christ”? That’s a sobering thought!

Each and every one has a decision to make about accepting and following Jesus. To not make a decision is in reality.. making the decision! That is a dangerous place to find oneself.

If you have not already made your decision for Christ, now is the time! Don’t find yourself in a so called ‘no man’s land’ with Him.

Today’s prayer may be helpful in your decision making.

Father, forgive me when I've placed my discipleship and the work of the Lord on the back burner. I realize today that your Son is calling me to actively follow and serve in his work, not just stand by passively watching. Please help me to respond wholeheartedly to his call.

In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen.