Mantra - Five metaphors for how to live a Gospel lifeSample

Day 5 - Grip the Plow

There is this unspoken lie we can believe as Christians: once we give our lives to Jesus, once we proclaim Him as Lord and Savior, life will be all sunshine and rainbows. 

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus made it clear that this is not how it’s going to be. Three men are on the verge of following Jesus. You would think Jesus would be jumping for joy that there are more believers, but His answer was not what they expected. 

The things Jesus said in this passage are hard truths to hear. Jesus turned these men away because they weren’t willing to surrender all.

On the contrary, when you first say yes to serving the Lord in every area of your life—when you begin gripping the plow—a few things might happen. It might draw you closer to God. You might feel a whole new peace. Life might become graciously less about you and more about Him and others. 

Yes, it will be hard and there are things you’ll have to surrender to serve Him with your whole heart—but it is so worth it.

We want to be Christians who grip the plow and don’t look back. We want to be all-in for Jesus and the Kingdom of God. 

If you are a Christian, Jesus is inviting you today to grip the plow and get to work.

Keep Talking Questions

How do you grip the plow when you find yourself drifting back to your past ways?

What is God calling you to do that is especially difficult? 

When you feel tired and unappreciated, how can you still grip the plow?

Prayer

Father God, when I get tired, when I want to turn back, when I want to give up, I pray that You would strengthen me. That You would increase my faith in You. That You would fill me with joy as I grip the plow and serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.