These folks found it hard to have a healthy relationship with Jesus because they were consumed with what they had to give up.  Jesus brought a different kind of message that turned things upside down for the religious elite.  These folks were concerned with power, affluence, and prestige.  Jesus message of servanthood, sacrifice, and selflessness challenged the way of life these powerful people were accustomed to.

I have spoken to a lot of people that only see a potential relationship with God through the lens of what they might have to give up.  If this is Your lens then you will  find it difficult to have a healthy relationship with God.

When I was under conviction by the Holy Spirit and considering my eternal future, I was someone that drank alcohol, and frequently got drunk.  I remember having a conversation during that time and expressing that I didn’t feel like I should have to give up alcohol to be a Christian.  I was viewing a potential relationship with God, through the lens of what I would have to give up.

Looking back now, I realize that drinking alcohol was an escape mechanism and a form of self-medication.  I did not know how to appropriately deal with the stress and difficulties of life, so I turned to alcohol to temporarily drown out the anxiety.  It wan not that I was fond of drinking, it was more that I was afraid that without the alcohol I would not have been able to cope.

Coming from a broken home and leaving home at an early age, I found that I never had a good role model for dealing with the stuff of life.  So I did what was modeled for me in my family.  I drank alcohol.

As I wrestled with my faith in God and accepting Jesus gift of salvation, I struggled with believing that a faith in God would be enough to get me through this life.

I wish I could say that I never wanted to take a drink of alcohol after deciding to follow Jesus.  There are times that I can still taste it on my lips.  The devils way of tempting me to go back to my former life.

What I can say is that since I started following Jesus, I have never needed alcohol to help me deal with all the things life throws my way.  I have not had a drink of alcohol since May 28, 1998.  The day I said yes to Jesus.

This is not a post to debate whether or not Christians can drink alcohol.  It is simply a testimony that I can identify with the religious leaders of Jesus day.  I know what it’s like to judge a potential relationship with Jesus by what I might have to give up.  Unlike the religious leaders, I decided that it was worth a try.  And what I found out was that God did not disappoint me.  I never needed the thing I was afraid to give up.

If you are struggling with saying yes to Jesus because there are things you don’t want to give up, I want to encourage you, or even challenge you, to give God a chance.  Take a step of faith and give him an opportunity to show Himself faithful.  I am willing to bet that if you give God a chance, like me, you will find that you won’t need that thing, that stuff, that person, that habit, etc. that you are afraid to let go of.