Decide [v.]: to make a final choice or to select a course of action
I once heard the story of a man who ordered a special one-of-a-kind drill online. The seller described the piece in great detail and the price was unbelievable (literally). The man could not believe his luck. Five days later, the drill arrived. The man rushed to the door and grabbed the box. It was surprisingly light and when he opened it, he saw the drill alright. Yes, he received a picture of the drill.
Unlike the drill salesman, the disciples could never accuse Jesus of deceptive advertising. He was unflinchingly honest about the costs of discipleship even when that honesty cost him followers. On numerous occasions, Jesus told would-be followers that following him would cost them everything so they needed to think seriously or “count the cost” before following (Lk. 14:25-33; Matt. 16:24-25). In other words, in Christ’s thinking there could be no such thing as a Christian by tradition, default, culture or “from birth.” One had to decide to become a Christian.
Sadly, many professing Christians have not yet decided to follow Jesus. Some follow him from a distance, perhaps because they are attracted to the virtues of Christianity but don’t want to commit to it for various reasons. Others follow him half-heartedly with one foot still firmly in “the world.”
The half-committed Christian is perhaps the most miserable because he/she is nowhere and unable to enjoy the full benefits of either side—can’t quite enjoy the fleeting pleasures of worldliness or the fruits of a godly life. Uncommitted Christianity is unstable at best and deceptive at worst; it fools us into thinking we can somehow have the best of both worlds but leaves us with nothing.
Among other characteristics, the half-committed Christian:
- is uncomfortable with openly identifying as Christian
- often wonders if “the world” offers a better deal
- occasionally indulges in and rationalizes the persistence of sinful conduct despite the ongoing conviction of the Holy Spirit
- disobeys God willfully and repents superficially
- is confused and uncertain about most things most of the time (because he is anchored to nothing)
In his mercy, God will push all of us to the place of decision. Through various circumstances he hems us in and shows us that we need to make a decision. We may find ourselves going around and around in circles, not making any progress, suffering defeats that just don’t make sense, feeling empty or unfulfilled despite external indicators of “success,” or noticing a pattern of unfruitfulness that makes us ask “what’s going on?”
Take a moment to examine your heart today. Are you a Christian or a picture of a Christian? Have you decided to follow Jesus?