Is Jesus enough?

One doesn't need to look very hard to see that the world is a gloomy place. Anxiety, depression, and many other things beside run rampant. The most alarming thing about this, however, is we see this in the church on large scale numbers! I don't doubt that there are chemical imbalances, and medical reasons for some of this, but to see such high numbers being reported, it's made me wonder: Is Jesus enough? I know that the answer should be yes. The Bible clearly says He is. So why, then, isn't He enough for so many Christians? It's because we have let the world seep and creep in to the church. Instead of filling the cracks, or seeking to maintain the church, we've allowed the Enemy to creep in, and we've let Him sit in our hearts as we fill the pews. When Jesus says " " 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11) Do we believe it? I think many of us believe in Jesus. We believe He is real, He is all powerful, and He can do all things, but when it comes to our real time situation, our faith flounders and wavers. We're Peter, walking out on the stormy waters, looking at the wind and waves, and sinking down below. But Jesus' words to Peter are still relevant to us: "Oh, you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Today, let Jesus be enough. This moment, let Jesus be enough. And remind yourself of this simple truth every morning, every minute, every day: Lord, I can't handle this on my own, but You can. I submit and I surrender to your perfect will." Then let Him go to work!

Romans 12 English Standard Version (ESV)

A Living Sacrifice

12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c]but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[d]

Gifts of Grace

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[f] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Marks of the True Christian

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written,

“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 

o the contrary,

“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Footnotes:

a. Romans 12:1 Or brothers and sisters

b. Romans 12:1 Or your rational service

c. Romans 12:2 Greek age

d. Romans 12:2 Or what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God

e. Romans 12:4 Greek parts; also verse 5

f. Romans 12:8 Or gives aid

g. Romans 12:11 Or fervent in the Spirit

e. Romans 12:16 Or give yourselves to humble tasks

f. Romans 12:19 Greek give place