There were big things to do.
There throngs willing to listen who needed to hear.
There were disciples seeking training and teaching.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” –Luke 5:16
There were people to heal.
There were lost souls to share the Gospel with.
There were places to get to, people to avoid, people to save.
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” –Luke 18:16
There were false accusations.
There was so much to explain to save the day.
There were loved ones, true believers, looking on confused and despairing.
“But Jesus gave no answer.” –Luke 23:9
When I think “But Jesus,” I’m usually calling for His might and strength and power. I want to share that there was a big challenge- but Jesus overcame it. Or that I had a big question- but Jesus gave the answer.
But Jesus often doesn’t do what worldly wisdom says makes sense.
But Jesus often doesn’t do what worldly wisdom says makes sense. Click To TweetWe’re called to live this kind of “but” too.
There is the temptation to aim for greatness.
There is the suggestion that greatness means we can do more for Jesus.
There is a false belief that God’s main goal for us is to feel great.
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” –Luke 22:26
There is a drive to always be improving on everything.
There is value placed on the new, changing, and evolving.
There is a dismissal of old ways as lesser and old convictions as ignorant.
“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” –2 Timothy 3:14 (see 2 Timothy 4:5 also)
There is a myth that pursuing money is a necessary evil.
There is acceptance that discontent is a good motivator and lust an effective change-agent.
There is a push for flattery, pride, and selfishness being requirements for surviving this world.
In what ways is Jesus leading you to live differently? To go against your natural inclinations in order to be more like Him? Click To Tweet“But you…flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness… Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.” –1 Timothy 6:11; Jude 1:17
{A version of this post was previously published here}
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LINKUP is open. Join my friend @bethanymcilrath as we look at instances of 'but Jesus' in the Bible and the ways we're also called to live differently. Share your blog with us too! Click To Tweet
Jesus certainly resisted the pressure to make all the “power moves” in his day. I want to be led by the same Spirit. And I am finding that this takes a close following and a careful listening.
It certainly takes careful listening and close following for me, Michele! Agreed. Thanks for joining in this week!
“We’re called to live this kind of “but” too.”
Yes. We are called to live differently. It’s not an easy path, but a meaningful one.
So meaningful even though it can be challenging! Glad to see you here, Lisa!
Excellent! Loved this, Bethany. Since I gave my life to Christ He’s had me on a different path in almost every area of my life.
Me too, Debbie! Glad to see you here!
How we need to constantly be tuned to Him rather than doing what makes sense to us in the moment.
So true, Barbara. Grateful He keeps us abiding in Him so we can be! Thanks for joining in this week!
This was so encouraging, Bethany. I feel like most of my life has been directed by what Jesus would have me do, and it does look so different than the world’s definition of greatness. This has been like a breath of fresh air to me today. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Lisa! I’m grateful this was a breath of fresh air, it is kind of God to lead us to live differently, even when it’s also hard. Glad you’re here!
I love that you saw so much in BUT. Thank you for this in depth look…
Thanks! “BUT” (one “t!”) is one of my favorite words! Thanks for joining in!
Powerful!!!! Thought provoking!!!
Thank you! Glad to see you here!
What a great phrase study, Bethany! “But Jesus” definitely flips worldly wisdom—and even shallow Christianity—completely on its head.