Mark 1:16-20

¹⁶ As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. ¹⁷ “Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”¹⁸ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. ¹⁹ Going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boat mending their nets. ²⁰ Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.

What kingdom are you building? Better yet, who are you building it for? We are all building a kingdom whether we are aware of it or not. So, let’s be informed so we can fight the good fight and rid ourselves of worldly behaviors that keep us from our mission. You see, the devil’s greatest ploy is distraction and deception! If he can distract you, then you can become easily deceived thereby significantly decreasing your productivity to God’s calling.

During my small group discussion this morning, this statement was made: “I want to be a sold-out somebody for God.” Naturally, my thoughts race! What does it take to be a “sold-out somebody for God?” As my personality would lend itself, I could eventually outline a sequencing step or beautiful outline to answer this question…and then I laugh…because God stopped me immediately and said, “There are no ‘steps’ my son. It is the easiest yet hardest thing you’ll ever do – surrender!” That requires a deep-breath moment for me – what a piercing!

What is the one thing we see throughout this passage in Mark – surrender! Initially, these fishermen were building a kingdom based on ‘self.’ Yet, with a simple calling from the Savior, “Follow Me,” they immediately left their gear and followed Him. They sacrificed their personal kingdoms for faith in an eternal and spiritually rich kingdom that can only come through Jesus Christ.

You may never be called to sell or leave all your personal belongings in obedience to God’s mission; however, there is one thing you may be holding on to that must be sacrificed – self-will.  Your desire to be noticed, accepted, praised, and even followed goes against a “sold-out somebody” for God! In fact, I know one other being who refused to sacrifice his self-will. In fact, this being’s desire to be noticed, accepted, praised, and even followed resulted in being cast out of God’s presence.

This may sound harsh dear friends, but your kingdom either identifies with God’s mission or it identifies with the works of Satan. I pray that you spend time is holy meditation asking God to reveal any hidden kingdoms in your life that keep you from fully surrendering! As another small group member stated, “Are we guided by our actions or by the Holy Spirit?” You cannot have it both ways dear believer. There is freedom in the release! As you pray today, be still and listen to these kingdoms fall! Then the Potter is abundantly able to fill and use you!

Question: What kingdoms do you need to sacrifice to God?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta