Jesus + Nothingنموونە

THE BARE MINIMUM

The bare minimum can trick us into thinking it’s enough, but it always comes up short.

I hate the gym. I know that is not a popular thing to say in the world we live in today, but I have never enjoyed working out. Growing up, I played soccer and spent most of my life being active, and even today, I enjoy a good hike on one of the many trails across San Diego, but the gym… not so much. However, as I have gotten older, I have noticed that I spend more time sitting down than being active, so to combat that, in my 30s, I started making adjustments to my lifestyle. “Diet & Exercise” was the prescription, but as I started to do this, I began to ask myself a dangerous question that we all ask ourselves in moments like this. How little do I have to do, and still see results?

Essentially, I hoped that the bare minimum would yield the same results as full commitment. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.

In our scripture today, we see that Simon offers Jesus every necessary duty of hospitality, but nothing more. He gives him a seat at the table and offers food, but he does not provide water for Jesus to wash his feet, does not offer olive oil for him to anoint his head, and does not greet him with a kiss. In contrast, the woman does all of these things—not at a minimum level, but extravagantly with her worship. In your life, when it comes to Jesus, how much is too much? Are there things you are willing to give, but other things you hold back?

Have you offered Jesus an hour on Sunday morning but held back your finances? Have you given him access to your friendships but kept your time for yourself? Have you walled off certain areas where you don’t allow Jesus access? Jesus doesn’t just want part of your life; he wants all of you.

Luke 14:26-27 gives us a clear understanding of what Jesus is calling us to. Following Jesus isn’t a fad that we can step into and out of. Following Jesus means laying down your life and picking up your cross. It is placing Him above everything else in your life.

Have you given him all of yourself, or are you holding something back? Today is your day to trust Him fully and stop holding back. Today is the day you can choose to no longer give the bare minimum and commit completely.