Give everything to your own Jesus

When we get personal with Jesus, we give all of us to receive all of him.

Allowing him access to every part of our being; the good, the bad and the ugly. The fits, the short-comings, the unforgiveness, the secrets, the hurts, the things we hold precious, the good days, every ounce of our existence.

It means becoming more like him and less like me.

It’s a journey unlike any other.

But as we let go of me, he is faithful to invade our heart and change us for the better. You and I don’t deserve his grace now. But because of his extravagant love for us, he longs to make us whole. He wants to get personal with us so that he can shine through us to a dark world in desperate need of him.

It seems a little out of place, but look at this verse in Matthew with me. I promise it isn’t a rabbit trail and I’ll make it make sense.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

—Matthew 11:18-29 (MSG)

Notice the questions Jesus is asking here? And then the glorious invitation.

Before we go too far, I want to clarify that religion is not a bad thing. Religion, the law, is what moves us toward Jesus. God’s word makes it clear we cannot save ourselves. It’s why Jesus came.

God saw we couldn’t do this on our own, so he provided the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. No longer are we bound by a list of rules that are impossible to follow, but we get to have a relationship with the very one who gave his life to save ours from an eternity in Hell.

Sure, there are times relationship is hard, and so, we show up for church religiously whether we feel like it or not. Sometimes we read God’s word religiously.

There are times we need religion, but religion should never replace our relationship with Jesus.

Personal relationship is where freedom happens. Our relationship with Jesus is where faith and fullness of God happen. It’s where we find rest. It’s where we learn the character of our Lord. It is where grace is found and the hand of God lightens our burdens.

Apart from Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). And religion apart from Jesus is worthless.

Jesus came to get personal with you, not pushy. He will never shove his way into your life and force you to come to him. He’s a gentleman.

Jesus offers you an invitation into a life of fullness, purpose, love, grace, forgiveness and mercy. A life filled of all the things that he is.

Maybe it’s just me, but that’s a life I want to mirror. He’s the person I want to become.

And while I may not have it all together, maybe you don’t either. Come and enjoy the goodness of who he is. His presence is a gift that cost you nothing, and cost him everything.

So, is it personal? Is Jesus your shepherd? It’s hard to get personal with a stranger.

Who or what are you becoming? Are you becoming love and joy? Are you becoming hateful and frustrated? The church body is growing ever frustrated in the times we’re currently living.

You don’t believe me? Scroll your social feed and tell me how much love, patience and joy are being spread by the “church body” in your feed.

I’m not passing judgment. I’m saying as the body, it’s time to ditch the distractions and get personal with Jesus.

God sent us the cure for our issues. His name is Jesus. Grab ahold of him.

Jesus is all we need. But we must choose Him and it must be personal. My Jesus will never be enough for you. But your own Jesus will be more than you will ever need.

Grab ahold of his garment and don’t let go. And be warned, he will change you from the inside out.

Jesus, thank you for rescuing me.

Lord, I have been living life trying to be enough and do enough and today I am choosing to let go of me and grab ahold of you. My salvation is not based on what I do, but what you did. No longer will I chase the Jesus of my pastor, my parents or my spouse, but I choose to make you, my own Jesus.

Renovate my heart, Lord. Take all of me and trade it for all of you. Search my heart and tear down the parts of me that are not pleasing to you. Mold and make me into the child of God I was created to be.

God, I take up my cross and I chase you. Today and every day.

I leave the distractions behind and fix my eyes on you. Make me more like you and a lot less like me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cassie Downs, formerly of the Ellsinore area, is a speaker and the author of Chasing Jesus. Connect with her online at cassiedowns.com. Her book is available online where most books are sold.

Editor’s note: This is the third of three parts.