Many alliances are formed based on the question "What will you do for me?" Relationships are entered, political parties align, nations sign treaties not necessarily for the benefit of the alliance but for the desire of wanting something for self. We are self-seeking on every level, even in our relationship with God. We follow Him based on the question, "So, God what will you do for me?" Not in thanksgiving for what He has done, or in awe that He would even be in a relationship with people like us, but in the desire for more for me. The same happened when Jesus walked the earth:
Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. (John 6:1-2)
The people followed only because they saw the miraculous feats of God. If He can make the sick well, then I can live forever! I never have to face hardships. He is my "Get out of difficult times" card. Of course I will follow.
What about you? Why do you follow Jesus? Are you hoping the good times will just keep rolling? They won't. Problems come. In fact not long following the verses written above, this was the response from the same crowd:
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"... From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (John 6:60, 66)
Think about why you are following God. If it is to use Him for good times, you are going to quit the "whole Jesus thing". He will not be used. He leads in good times and bad. He asks us:
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked... (John 6:67)
Are you going to leave or follow? Jesus is asking. What is your response?
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