Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,”

Jesus said to him and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:27-28)

Personal change can often seem slow and almost undetectable. I still remember a time many years

ago when my reaction to someone who cut me off in traffic was not my normal angry reaction.

Instead, I found myself calmly wondering what was causing the other driver to drive so carelessly.

Why had I reacted so differently? I concluded that the change was the Holy Spirit’s work in creating

in me a godlier response – revealing God’s sanctifying work in my life.

Do you sometimes wonder how you would react under difficult circumstances? Will your faith

emerge as the victor, or will you be overwhelmed with worry and doubt? We all hope we will handle

situations in a godly way; but unless we experience it, we can’t know for sure. Likewise, Matthew

was apparently minding his own business when Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” His decision would

reveal the real depth of his faith in Jesus. I’m sure he never fathomed that the Lord would look upon

him with favor.

Matthew (also called Levi) was one of the twelve apostles. Before Jesus called Matthew to follow

Him, he was a tax collector – an occupation despised by fellow Israelites since the tax collectors

collected taxes for Rome and enriched themselves at the expense of their own people.

But when the Lord called, Matthew followed. He left behind his former life. There was no turning

back, regardless of the cost. As Jesus told His disciples:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For

whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good

will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:24:26)

In his moment of decision, Matthew weighed the cost of leaving his former way of life – and found it

not worthy to be compared to the life he would gain by following Christ. If there’s anything that

stands between you and your willingness to follow Christ, how will you stand before God’s judgment

throne and not perish? For Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one

comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Make Jesus Christ a non-negotiable in your life. Commit that nothing will stand between you and

Him. Adore Him, trust Him, love Him, and serve Him; By doing so, you will find life.

By Jim Connell