More Than a Lump Sum

Years ago, I had workmate who expended a lot of thought over what he would do if he ever won the lottery.  He was confused when I did not share his bizarre obsession and giddy preoccupation.  Many times he launched into a detailed explanation of the importance of receiving winnings in a lump sum and investing the money in various ways.  This guy had a serious plan for a vast sum of money (if he ever won big, of course), but I was never convinced buying the lotto religiously was the best investment plan.

In the parable Jesus told of the prodigal son, the younger of two brothers demanded his father give him his inheritance in a lump sum.  The father graciously did so, but despite the windfall the son was soon broke, destitute and homeless.  My friend imagined the lottery would simplify his life, and the prodigal son may have thought his life would be improved.  As I consider it, the idea of quick wealth in a lump sum is attractive.  Some view the Gospel this way and are glad to receive forgiveness of sins, salvation from hell and eternal life in a lump sum.  Like the prodigal left home after receiving his inheritance, some receive the Gospel and go their own way--neglecting to follow or trust Jesus Christ who died to save them.

There is also an attraction to give our lives to God in a lump sum--to go out in a blaze of glory as a martyr, a romantic notion to bravely lay down our lives for Jesus.  At the same time, we can find it hard to take up our cross daily, follow and obey Him.  James and John desired to be given the honour of sitting on each side of Jesus when He entered into His kingdom:  they requested heavenly honour in a lump sum.  Jesus asked if they were able to drink of the cup that He would drink and be baptised with His baptism.  J. Oswald Sanders writes in Spiritual Leadership, "To the Lord's probing question, they returned the glib answer "We are able"--thus betraying a tragic lack of self knowledge.  Jesus told them that they would indeed drink the cup and experience the baptism.  They must learn that for an influential ministry there would be a steep price to pay--and that it cannot be paid in a lump sum." (Sanders, J. Oswald. Spiritual Leadership. Moody Press, 1989. page 31)

The cost of following Jesus Christ cannot be paid in a lump sum, nor do we receive every blessing at once.  We are made new creations through the Gospel and given eternal life in a moment,  Jesus once for all paid with His shed blood to atone for the sins of the world, and in receiving Him we have all our needs met.   However, our lives are not given to us in a lump sum but are to be lived out day by day, and blessed is the one who faithfully invests in relationship and fellowship with God.  We have received this glorious salvation and acceptance into God's kingdom, we cannot wisely live our lives without constant reliance and guidance from Christ.  The one who daily seeks Jesus and serves Him will be better off than the wisest, richest king who ever lived--whose heart departed from the LORD.  For those who have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing, the best is yet to come.