For Jesus

Jesus demands everything. He says that we cannot be His disciples unless we forsake everything. People often cry out that they have given everything, but in the hour of trial it is evident that many things are lacking. Perhaps you have given Christ your sin, your bad conscience that weighed you down—you have cast it on Him. Whatever you don’t want for yourself you give to Him; but you keep the rest—your possessions, your income, your body, etc. You say that it is wonderful to be with Him because He has taken your burden of sin away. Afterwards you give Him ten cents in the collection twice a week and twenty cents on Sundays. Then you think that you have given much for God’s cause, but you don’t notice that outward things rule over you. You see things in a shopping window that you don’t need but you secretly think, “It must be nice to have that.” You continue to look at it and enjoy it, but finally you overcome yourself and leave. Nevertheless, now that little thing has slung legions of bonds around your money-loving soul so that you immediately turn around, go back to the store, and buy it. After that you enjoy it so long in your heart, until you feel disgusted just looking at it. You can afford to do things like that.

You strive as much as you can in order to do God’s will, but your strength is not sufficient. You become tired; you become despondent. Your wretched strength is not worth anything; you give it to Jesus, and He brings it onto the cross. Then you receive power through His Spirit to do His will. Now you exult in your strength. Now you think that because you have given Him your wretched strength you have given Him your whole heart. Now you think that you can afford to give God the tithe—you think that you are being pious, not knowing that it is the law that demands the tithe—and the law is for the transgressors. You give Christ a tenth part, but you keep ninety percent for yourself. And there are few who even give one tenth of their income to God. And the estate, what about your estate? People boast of being the bride of Christ and that they will be fetched when Jesus comes again. Do you think that Jesus has a bride who has a separate estate? No! When some woman in the world has a separate estate, it is because her husband is not trustworthy.