Giving Back to Jesus

By Edd Sterchi       The little book of Jude begins with some big reminders for Christians of all ages (both in time periods and in years). Let’s examine three from the first three verses.     Always put Jesus first (v.1). The author of the epistle, Jude, was the half brother of Jesus Christ. And yet, rather than boasting about that, he referred to himself as, “a bondservant of Jesus Christ.” First and foremost he considered himself a servant of Jesus. We would also do well to put Jesus first place in our lives. First consideration in everything we do should be Jesus and His will. He is our Master every moment of every day.     Always remember that Jesus has saved us (v.1). Jude reminded his readers that they had been “called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” Christians need to constantly bring to mind that they were called out of the world by the gospel of Christ, sanctified by contacting the blood of Christ in baptism, and are preserved by the grace of God through faithfulness in Christ. It is vital to keep this on the forefront of our minds.     Always be living for Jesus (v.3). Jude’s exhortation was to continue to “contend earnestly for the faith.” As important as putting Jesus Christ first and remembering that He has saved us are, it is equally important to always live for Him in word and deed. Many false teachers and false notions abound, and we must be the ones to live and speak the truth concerning Jesus and His will. The Greek word translated “contend earnestly” was often used in reference to an athlete striving hard. Thus it is a reminder to us that living this way and speaking the truth is going to take a lot of concentrated, dedicated effort.     Another way of looking at these thoughts is that we need to be giving back to Jesus. He has given us so much (salvation, blessings, assistance, etc.). Let us in appreciation give Him first place in our lives, give remembrance to what He has done for us, and give Him a faithful life that honors and proclaims Him. Let’s always give back to the One who has unselfishly given to us.

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/