In my last post, I wrote about the importance of words. Oftentimes there are words or phrases that sort of catch on and are used to convey a certain idea or truth. One such phrase that is seen with increasing regularity, especially in social media, is the phrase, “All In”.

This little two-word phrase simply means that the one who says it is totally committed to something. For example, after a favorite football team loses a game, many of the fans of that team will state that they are still “all in”, totally committed to that team, regardless of whether they win or lose.

Those of us who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ could apply this phrase to our commitment to the Lord. Are we all in? Are we totally committed to Him, regardless of what that commitment might cost? What would that kind of commitment look like? How would our lives look if we were all in for Jesus?

From the teachings of the Lord, we can glean some interesting characteristics of being all in. First, let’s consider that being all in would mean that we live visible lives for the Lord.

Being all in would mean that we live visible lives for the Lord.

Jesus said that our lives should be shining lights so that people could see our works. This, in turn, would bring glory to the Lord. The fact that we are all in for Jesus should be visible for all to see. This is done by the obvious things we do in service to the Lord. It is visible in our conduct, our behavior, our habits, our attitudes – in essence, every aspect of our public and private lives should be a visible display of being all in for Jesus.

Second, being all in would mean that we live vocal lives for the Lord. This, in part, goes back to my previous post on “words”. What we say, the words we choose, and even how we say those words, should be a clear reflection of being all in.

Being all in would mean that we live vocal lives for the Lord.

If you are like me, you enjoy talking about things that are important to you. I talk about the North Carolina Tarheels and the Dallas Cowboys, especially during football season, because I consider myself an “all in” fan of those two teams. I enjoy talking about them, and oftentimes catch a lot of flack because of my commitment to these two particular teams. But, being a vocal “witness” to my being all in is something I do with consistency and regularity.

Should I not be a vocal witness for the Lord? Should I not be quick to tell people about Him? He loved us enough to give His life for us – does that not warrant us being vocal witnesses for Him? Indeed, it does!

Third, being all in would mean that we live viable lives for the Lord. Viability means that something is capable of working successfully. You may be wondering why I would use this word to describe being all in.

Being all in would mean that we live viable lives for the Lord.

Jesus taught many things that would lead us to understand why our lives should work successfully for Him. He said if anyone puts his hand to the plow, and then looks back, he is not fit for the kingdom of God. He also said that if He is not first priority in our lives – even over our parents, brothers and sisters – then we cannot be His disciples. He further stated that we cannot serve God and mammon. Our lives should work successfully in the sense that we are all in for Him, living lives of consistency in our commitment.

I am all in and excited about what has happened thus far this season with the Tarheels and the Cowboys. I am thrilled that both teams are off to a great start. I am quick to engage in conversation about my excitement for their potential as the season progresses.

But my being all in for two football teams should be nothing compared to being all in for Jesus. I should be always ready to give an answer for the hope that is within me because of my relationship with Him. And I should share that hope with anyone and everyone who would take time to listen.

Are you all in?

Until next time:

Blessings.