Cross the Line

In his book, The Christian Atheist, Pastor Craig Groeschel identifies three lines of Christian faith. 

Line 1: We believe in God and the gospel of Christ enough to benefit from it.  We want God's benefits (Heaven, forgiveness, a happy life, etc) without changing how we live.  We want God's best, without our sacrifices.

Line 2: We believe in God and Christ's gospel enough to contribute comfortably.  We believe in God enough to benefit and also enough to give back - as long as it does not cost too much.  If we do not have to change too much, we will do some of what God asks.  If it does not hurt too much, we will get more serious about God.  We all have our limits, right?

Line 3: We believe in God and Christ's gospel enough to give our lives to it. 

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Galatians 2:20.  Could we sacrifice our desires, hopes, and dreams for God's?

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."  Philippians 3:8.  Could we truly count all our earthly possessions as a loss, making Christ our greatest treasure?

Jesus crossed the line from Heaven to earth and the line from life to death in order that we might be able to be reconciled to God, finding forgiveness, peace, love, and joy now in this life and forever in Heaven.  What about us?  Do we need to ask God to help us cross a line of faith?