Yeah, but

Yeah, but...  

I want you to go with me back in time. Put on your imagination hat, block out all distractions and get a good picture here, even though the scene probably wasn't just like this. The scripture reference is intact.

Jesus is popular with almost everyone. He walks around the dusty streets and picks up a giggling little girl. Maybe she's the daughter of a young man he healed of leprosy. 

Women run up to him and give him biscuits flavored with honey, enough for all the men traveling with him. They are grateful because he gave them something to eat when they traveled to hear him speak.

But then over there, standing in the shadows of the buildings, are three men. They look important, dignified. They are looking at Jesus, but talking to each other. It is plain to see that they don't like him. 

One breaks away and comes up to Jesus. The little girl hides behind Jesus. The women back away. The disciples stop their eating and look up. The dignified man asks a question.

Let's read it from the scripture,

“And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 

And He (Jesus) said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" 

And he answered, "Y OU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 

And Jesus said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."

 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"”

Luke 10:25-29 NASB

Do you see what he's doing? He is saying, "I can love God. Of course I do. I know what The Law says. I am very familiar with God's word. But who is it exactly that I have to love? Is it those who live in the other extravagant houses near mine? Is it my dear family? And those that I work with?"

He looks at the skinny women, the ones with worn out clothes. He looks at the little girl. She's filthy! Her hair is stringy and matted. I'm glad these aren't my neighbors, he thinks as he walks away.

"We got this." He tells the other two men. "We got this."

Have you ever justified yourself against the teachings of Jesus? You know what He means, but, "yeah, but" comes out of your mouth and thoughts. 

I have. I hate to admit it, but I have. 

Jesus says love others.

Jesus says deny yourself.

Jesus says obey My Father.

Jesus says give.

Do we know what He says? Do we know, but don't heed?

Lord, forgive me. I need to be more obedient. I must understand that if I want eternal life, just as this snobby man was seeking, I must have ears that hear and understand. 

 I want/need You as my savior, but I don't always want You as my Lord. By trying to justify myself I am not doing what You truly intend. By trying to make it easier on myself, Am I truly denying myself to follow you?

Help me, Lord.

Help us all.