“Bring me a sword,” commanded the wise King, “Divide the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” This was Solomon’s solution to the contentious debate that two mothers brought before him. Each claimed that this living child was her own. The true mother was easily identified when she said, “O my lord, give [the other woman] the living baby, and by no means slay him.” The one who loved the child was not willing to see it divided. She would rather that it be given wholly to the other woman than to see it cut in half.
So it is with our God and His children. He is not willing to settle for half…or even two-thirds. He would rather that we be given wholly to the world then to be divided in heart and mind. He would have all of us or none at all. He would rather that we be either hot or cold, choose God or mammon and serve one master or the other. Half-hearted, lukewarm compromise will never suffice…He loves us too much for that.
Those who put their hands to the plow and look back are not fit. Those who love father or mother, sister or brother, son or daughter more, are not worthy. He who loves his life, will not take up his cross, and will not forsake all that he has, cannot be a disciple.
“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on the earth? I tell you, no; but rather division…” This sword has not come to divide us WITH the world, but FROM the world that we might be wholly His and His alone.
Unite my thankful heart to Thee
And reign without a rival there.
Thine wholly, Thine alone, I am;
Be Thou alone my constant Flame.
~ John Wesley
