Written by Vicky Ng. Artwork by Lorraine Yang.
You heard the call. You gave a response. You started your journey. You were promised that the path ahead of you would be exciting, adventurous, fresh and new. There is a condition though: you need to let go of all the things that you’ve been leaning on up till now.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. […] Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-22 emphasis added)
What is that one thing on which you build your identity? Is it your status or your abilities? Is it your glorious accomplishments in school, or in a sport, or even in the workplace? Is it your natural talents in gaming, music, or in the arts? Could it even be your stunning personality, which sets you apart from the rest? How about your sense of humor or your ability to think fast? Whatever it is that has made you proud and successful, you need to leave it behind.
Likewise, what is that one thing that gives you a sense of belonging, the familiarity of which brings you a sense of security? Have you been living behind a mask of so-called coolness when you are actually scared and insecure? Have you put on that I-am-totally-self-sufficient face when your heart is lonely and crying out for help? Have you been telling lie after lie to cover up a certain behavior? Whatever it is that has made you insecure and shameful, you need to leave it behind.
“Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:50)
“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’” (John 4:28-29)
Like Bartimaeus the blind man and the Samaritan woman by the well, they too had to throw aside objects of security and belonging that they had clung to for years. Not only were those objects getting in their way as they stepped out to experience new life, but were truly no longer needed. For Jesus is sufficient. He alone is the solid rock; all others are sinking sand. So how about it? Are you ready to let go and follow Christ?
Reflection Questions
1. Are there things, places, or even people that you have built your identity upon? What would it look like if those things were removed from your life? What would give your life meaning then?
2. Are you willing to leave behind what is familiar and comfortable to you in order to take ahold of the bigger and better things that God has in store? What is holding you back?