Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to radiate more of the Lord's love than others? Why do some seem to make faster progress in their spiritual lives? Why do they seem happier? Why do their choices seem to work out better? Chances are, those that seem closer to the Lord and more blessed have learned the simple secret contained in an old Sunday school chorus: "I want more of Jesus, so I'll give Him more of me."

It really is just that simple. And contrary to what most people seem to think about giving our all to Jesus, it's really not so bad! Yielding to the Lord and His will doesn't mean we need to brace ourselves for a life of only hardship and deprivation. Jesus promises that when we do things His way, our burdens will be easy and light (Matthew 11:28-30). It is we who often make life harder for ourselves than it needs to be by insisting on our own way or hanging on to what we think will make us happy. "This is the love of God"--this is what loving God is all about--"that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (John 13:17 KJV).

So if you've been sagging under the weight lately, maybe that's because you've been carrying the wrong burden. Maybe it's time for you to trade up. Trade in your will for His, and see what a difference that will make.

Keith Phillips
For the Activated family