I'm Not Cleaning Up

I am an extremely messy cook. I leave pots and pans piled in the sink. I leave cabinets open. Drawers partially closed. If I stop and clean each pan as I go along? As my husband wishes I would do?  I loose my rhythm. My cooking mojo. I follow the recipe precisely. For a little while. Until I decide I can make it better. I did the same thing with my first GPS. I would correct it. Argue with that annoying little British voice. Because I, of course, knew a better way.

I'm a decent cook.  "We" (that's passive aggressive for "I") came to a decision years ago. If I am going to do the cooking 5 nights a week? I am not cleaning up. Amen? So far it's worked out splendidly. Plus it gives me the guilt free freedom to "artistically" create our meals.  It still drives him nuts. But he complies because (1) he loves to eat  (2) his OCD tendencies will not allow him to enjoy anything if it involves simultaneously looking at anything askew.

Isn't this a perfect depiction of how we come to Christ? Some of us are messy. All over the place. We have the  knowledge and directions (Gods Word). But we still think we've got life figured out. We want one foot in the world while we place the other before The Lord. Others have to have everything in perfect order before coming to His throne. 

I can't help but think about the Apostle Paul. He was a mess. Paul actually persecuted Jewish followers of Jesus thinking they were heretics. One day, while traveling to Damascus, he heard Jesus, supernaturally call out to him. Jesus asked why Paul persecuted Him. Paul was so taken back that he fell off his horse and was blinded. Several days later a Christian disciple named Ananias came to visit him. Paul's eyesight was restored. He converted to Christianity right then. Paul preached the Gospel the rest of his life. Paul is a perfect example of someone who was all over the place. But when he came face to face with Jesus? He was all in! 100% committed to serving the King.

John was known as "the disciple Jesus loved". John experienced a personal and unconditional love with Jesus. He was one of the first disciples chosen. He also became one of Jesus inner circle. John was methodical, loyal, and dependable. He was the only one of the twelve disciples present at the cross during the crucifixion. He was totally committed to Jesus and the Gospel from the beginning.

Both of these men loved the Lord. Both spent their lives writing and preaching the Gospel. Spreading the Good News. One came to know Jesus only after taking many detours. One man fell in love with Christ immediately. What do they have in common? They both were changed forever once they were in the presence of the Lord. They both devoted their lives to preaching the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike. 

There is no right or wrong way to give your life to Christ. What matters is that you show up at the cross! Wherever you are. Whatever shape your life is in. It doesn't matter if you come before Him as a hot mess. Or quiet as a church mouse. Just get on your knees before Him. He is the only answer. The only way.

And all of God's people said Amen.

"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way."-Matthew 7:13