Into the Fire

appreciation: gratefulness, gratitude (one meaning)

allegiance: loyalty (one meaning)

Nearly everyone who has experienced salvation feels and exhibits “appreciation”. The acceptance of the sacrificial death and the subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ have brought us relief and comfort. The question is how many of us take it to the next level and give our allegiance to Him?

Being a Christian changes us. It must. The old has gone/died, and the new creation exists in its place. Although that change might seem gradual at first, it must come. The Bible speaks of “dying to self”, daily if necessary—and isn’t it always? The old self which leans toward sinful ways, independence apart from the Lord, selfishness—all that stuff that keeps us in our “dead zone” and reminds us why we needed to be regenerated in the first place.

However, if we never move beyond “appreciation”, we will never yield to “allegiance”. No matter how nice we were, nor how wicked, before we became redeemed, we need to experience change through the Spirit of God. It’s not going to happen any other way. Why else would that be part of the agreement? You accept Jesus as your Savior, repenting and receiving forgiveness for all those many sins, and not only are you forgiven, but you also receive the Holy Spirit to supernaturally live within you as your counselor and guide, not to mention your “Comforter”. The Lord knew we would need that, too, in the harsh realities of this life.

The point here is this: once you become a Christian, your allegiance belongs to God. Appreciation is marginal. We need to graduate to allegiance. Being a Christian replaces who we were. Now we breathe, eat, sleep, and live Jesus. Outlooks, experiences, hopes, dreams, are seen through the eyes of the Spirit. It is all consuming. The one we were has been replaced, redone, renewed, and redeemed. The level of our allegiance determines how much of our Lord we know, how much we’re willing to invest in the never-ending ongoing process of pursuing that knowledge. How much He really means to us . . .

So what that means to your writing is simply this: how much of what you write is done in simple appreciation for your salvation, and how much is written in total allegiance to your Savior?

Father, I want my allegiance to be recognizable. Help me when I drift toward mere appreciation. That’s not enough. I want you to be my focus, my impetus, my desire and inspiration. You are everything to me. Thank you, Jesus, for never leaving me behind. It’s hard to believe you can stick with us when we stray, but you are faithful to pull us back and reason with us, demonstrating your love and compassion. May I bless you and not disappoint you as I have done so many times. I love you, Lord. My allegiance belongs to you. Use me somehow for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.