Are You 100% for God?

There has been quite a bit of talk these days about the folks who fall into the 99% category and the folks in the 1% category - how the 1% own everything and the 99% typically get the dirty end of the stick – and how we need to change this and fight/take back what is rightfully ours.  

However, I think our focus/attention needs to be directed in a more Christian manner.  This gift of life which we live (rich or poor), (sick or healthy) isn’t a battle between the have’s (1%) and have not’s (99%) read Ephesians  6:12 – no it’s a battle between the holy and the unholy.  And unless we understand this important lesson, Mark 12:17, “So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him,” we will miss the true purpose and meaning of our lives.

Which brings me back to the subject of this message, are you 100%?  John 12:3-5 tells the story of Mary who “wasted”, according to Judas, expensive oil on Jesus’ feet.  And Acts 5:1-10 where Ananias and Sapphira lay before Peter’s feet the proceeds from the sale of their home, yet lying about the amount. And finally Matthew 27:57-60 when Jesus died on the cross, Joseph of Arimethea asks Pilate for the body and places it in his own new tomb.

Interestingly, Joseph and Mary, were both 100 percenters.  Both Joseph and Mary repaid God in the most excellent manner they could at the time.  Mary literally poured expensive oil all over Jesus’ feet, symbolically however, she was pouring out her heart and love for Jesus completely and unconditionally.  So much so, she was willing to incur the rebuke of Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.   Have you ever been willing to accept humiliation/rebuke for displaying or giving back your love to Jesus?  If so, then your 100%!

Joseph too gave Jesus something very special – his own, brand new tomb.  Joseph did not fear how this action would reflect on him.  He didn’t care if this display of love, affection and respect would hurt or endanger him within his peers or community.  No, Joseph gave Jesus more than just his own tomb, he gave Him his heart and soul too.  Do your actions label you as a Christian?  If so, then your 100%!

Finally, Ananias and Sapphira, sold their home and gave a significant amount of that to Peter for the new and growing Christian community.  On the surface, this was an extremely generous offering.  And when asked about the amount they both lied and told Peter this was the entire amount from the sale while holding back some for just them.  Divinely Peter knew this was a lie and told them so, in so many words, and they both instantly dropped dead on the spot.  They gave a lot but they lied and held back.  Maybe they even gave 99% of their proceeds.  But it was that 1% that caused their early demise.  They were not 100% are you?

When you give back to the Lord – give it all!