Read Matthew 7:1-29

I’m almost 29 years old at the time of this writing. I am beginning to notice that there’s an entirely new language coming up behind me that I don’t understand. It’s not totally uncommon for me to hear and say the phrase “that’s what the kids are saying now-a-days”. I have just not heard these words or phrases before.

One such term is “full send” which, according to Dictionary.com, references the sense of intense, hardcore or without regard to consequences. “Full send” is to go all out and being okay living with what happens.

When my brother and I were still living with our parents, upon coming home from school in the winter time, we would (attempt to) drift our little Ford Escort into their driveway trying to slide right into our parking spot. Now, there was no half-hearted drifting with Wade and I. In order to get maximum satisfaction, we had to punch it or “full send” down the street, hit the brake and yank the steering wheel to initiate the slide.

There had to be zero hesitation.

Now, I should probably say that this is a horrible idea that no one should try as we got in trouble every time we tried as we would normally leave some tire marks in the front yard (sorry, Dad).

Today, we are finishing up reading what is called the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) where Jesus tells His followers what it takes to be a true follower. People usually pick and choose in what way they follow Jesus but the truth is that you are either in or you are out.

There is no grey area.

In Revelation 3, God is very clear in His dealing with lukewarm people:

“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”

You will see at the end of chapter 7, Jesus concludes His sermon on the mountainside by giving people a clear application: “Are you in or are you out?”

As you read about the gate to enter, the tree and its fruit, and your foundation there is the sobering realization of 7:21-23:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Today, I challenge you to think to yourself if you’re ALL IN with Jesus. Do you pick and choose how you want to follow Him while conveniently leaving out the uncomfortable?

Allow these 3 chapters to serve a reminder for what needs to characterize your life as a follower of Christ. Are there any compromises that you are making? In what ways do you fall short of a FULLY DEVOTED follower of Christ and what changes are you going to make immediately to reposition yourself?

Don’t be on the fence. Don’t be lukewarm. Be all in!

“Full send” it!

Jake Lawson