by: Russell McLaughlin

Count Me In!

            For twenty-five years Art Linkletter captured the spirit of America on radio and television. 

            Linkletter’s favorite guests were children, especially children who attended Sunday school.  Many were ministers’ children who delighted the audience with their often-distorted interpretations of the Bible.

            Occasionally, though, the children would capture truths that would cause adults to pause and reflect.  One such incident happened when Linkletter asked the children what they would say if they could write a letter to God.  Answered one boy, “Dear God, Count me in.  Love, David”.

            That says it all, doesn’t it?  Perhaps one of the big voids in Christianity is the shortage of people who are willing to live totally sold-out lives for God. 

            Jesus said, “If any man come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Jesus has to be Lord of all, or He can’t be Lord at all.  Jesus is looking for followers who will be deeply committed to Him.  He wants us to be in the game 100%.  With all our soul, mind, heart, and strength.  We need more people in the church who will say with conviction, like Joshua, “…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15).

            Let’s remember Paul’s word’s, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Is the way you live your life saying, “COUNT ME IN” or “COUNT ME OUT”? Let us embrace the “count me in” spirit, by giving God our full commitment.