Seize the Moment

Matthew 4:18-22 

Remember that Jesus is calling you

He is calling you to leave behind the way things used to be, and totally commit yourself to following him.

According to Michael Henderson in his book Making Disciples: One Conversation at a Time, “Most churches do not grow spiritually or numerically for two reasons: very few church members take the initiative to assume responsibility for their friends’ spiritual growth.  They have never heard that making disciples is their duty and privilege, even though this was a central teaching of Jesus.  Second, the ‘one another’ require small intimate associations to work – either small groups that stay together for an extended period of time or one-to-one relationships.  Not many churches know how to foster these productive little groupings…” 

Realize the chance of a lifetime

He’s saying, “Come on! What better time? Seize the moment, make your choice, and come follow me!”

How many of you read Dr. Suess to your children? You know, the “Cat in the Hat” and all those books. Here’s one that reminds me of a lot of people:

Did I ever tell you about the young Zoad?
Who came to a sign at the fork of the road
He looked one way and the other way too
The Zoad had to make up his mind what to do - Well, the Zoad scratched his head,
And his chin, and his pants.
And he said to himself, "I’ll be taking a chance.
If I go to Place One, that place may be hot

So how will I know if I like it or not.
On the other hand, though, I’ll feel such a fool
If I go to Place Two and find it’s too cool
In that case I may catch a chill and turn blue.
So Place One may be best and not Place Two.
Play safe," cried the Zoad,
"I’ll play safe, I’m no dunce.
I’ll simply start off to both places at once.
And that’s how the Zoad who would not take a chance
Went no place at all with a split in his pants. 

Recognize which parts of your life need to change

Commitment to follow Jesus will always cost you something.

Chrysostom was the church leader of Constantinople in the fourth century when Rome was persecuting the Church. The Roman emperor had him arrested and charged with being a Christian.
If Chrysostom did not renounce Christ, then the emperor would have this Christian leader banished from the kingdom. Chrysostom responded to the threat by saying that the emperor could not do so, “because the whole world is my Father’s kingdom.”
“Then,” replied the emperor, “I will take away your life.” To which Chrysostom said, “You cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God.”
Next threatened with the loss of his treasure, this saint replied, “You cannot, for my treasure is in heaven where my heart is.”
The emperor made one last effort: “Then I will drive you away from here and you shall have no friend left.” But again Chrysostom responded, “You cannot, for I have one Friend from whom you can never separate me. I defy you for you can do me no harm.”