Man do I appear Good on the outside. Go to church, lead the youth group on a retreat, teach lessons, sincere in praise and worship and read God's word each morning. Lately, though, I have seen just how easy it is to keep appearances. I was reading through II Kings and came across 15:3-4. "He (Azariah) did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. The high places, however, were not removed..."
My life, at times, seems like it could be a 'however.' You know, "I give everything to Christ, I don't worship idols or promote anything of the sort. BUT there is that one sin I have neglected to discuss with my accountability partner...oh wait, I mean - I want to have an accountability partner, but I am just too busy right now." It is amazing, when our heart desires something how easily excuses can crop up. The kings all throughout II Kings are listed just as Azariah, doing most everything, but not actually destroying the high places (idols) commanded by God...he is not an isolated king.
I encourage you, examine your definition of "giving everything to Christ." You may find that what you really mean (as I discovered) is that you give everything your heart does not desire any longer... {for example: I give swearing and foul language to God...but tithing and finances are not something He's convicted me of yet}. What a person may find if they seek out Christ in this matter is that they are able to operate in their lives without a heavy or oppressive burden to be doing what they know they should have done a long time ago.
This little guy operates with the joy of a non-burdened heart (for he is too young to understand). Wouldn't it be great to have the grin and disposition of him in our spiritual lives now? Listen, you and I can have it. Here's a starting point: James 4:1 - "...what causes fights and quarrels among you, is it not the desires that battle within you..." Don't let your life be a "however."
