Because the Bible tells me, if I’m not serving within the context of the Christian community, Jesus is not Lord of my life. If I’m not giving of my time and my talent to the local church, Jesus is not Lord. If I’m not sharing my story with others and praying high risk prayers, then he’s not Lord.

And it’s the old of/at deal. Jesus is not going to be Lord of all if he’s not Lord at all. So he’s got to be Lord of all in your life and mine for us to understand. And if he’s not, then we have to take inventory.

You might be saying, “Well, wait a minute Ed. Are you causing me to doubt my salvation? Or are you causing me to doubt whether I’m clothed in Christ?”

No, I’m not. Not at all. But I am challenging you to take stock of your closet to check out your wardrobe. Because I believe once you commit your life to Christ, you’re in. But I also believe that Jesus will know us by our fruits. I also believe that his sheep will know the Shepherd’s voice. And I also believe a lot of people think they are Christ followers, think they’re clothed in Christ when in reality, maybe you’re not. Maybe you’re not.

Tie Jesus Around The Waist

There’s another one though, too. We sometimes tie Jesus around the waist. The fire insurance Jesus. You know. Everything is cool. If the elements hit or if you get into a tight situation or whatever, then, oh, man we’ll put Jesus on! But we kind of wear him like this. [Ed ties the jacket around his waist.]

“Yeah, you know I’ve prayed that little prayer. And God has forgiven me of my sins. And I’m in, man. You know, I’m in heaven!”