Scripture:

John 6:

64Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”

66From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

Observation:

They just couldn’t do it anymore.  Jesus’ claims were just too difficult to believe.  He had crossed the line of what they could handle.  He had pushed them too far and they walked away.  Their faith was finicky at best.

Application:

It’s hard to criticize them too much.  I can say that I’ve been much the same way at times.  Picking and choosing what I want to believe.  Wanting the best parts of belief in Christ while ignoring or leaving out the difficult ones.  We even do it in the church.  I like their music, but not the pastor.  I listen to his podcast, but attend a small group at a different church.  I serve with one church and worship with another.  We are finicky.
Have we turned our backs and walked away?  No.  But we sure have made it “easy” to follow…and I don’t think that is the point.

Commitment is just that.  It’s difficult.  Hard to handle at times.  But it’s just that…a commitment.  Stick to it.  Commit to belief.  Commit to Christ.  Commit to ONE local church.  Commit to community and accountability.  There’s no room for “finicky” in faith.  To pick and choose is to walk away.

Prayer:

God I commit to you.  I commit your people in your church.  I commit to living my life on mission for you.  It may be difficult but I pray your hand would guide and protect!  In Jesus name, Amen.

1. markseekins posted this