I firmly believe that one day I will stand before God, and He will ask why He should let me into His heaven. My response will be one word:  Jesus.

Then he will ask what I did to demonstrate my total dependence on Jesus during my lifetime, and I will say that I took up my cross daily and followed him.

That means that every year, I gave myself entirely to the work of the Lord. Each week, I worked forty hours as required, but then donated at least ten more hours. I chose to spend countless hours writing the best sermons I could and delivering them with all my ability. I met people and stretched myself to talk when I would rather be alone. I gave up my evenings to be a part of a small group when I would rather watch sports in my living room. I have poured out my energy, stretched my mind, and sacrificed a “normal” life because I believe that Jesus is my Savior AND Lord.

I do not write this to brag about my service. Many people do far more than I do. This is not even a call for people to become full-time ministers, like me. I am not trying to communicate that I am better than anyone. I am nothing special. In fact, I am a total mess. I am only a sinner saved by the grace of God, and I trust Jesus with my whole heart.

The reason I write this is because on the day of judgment, Jesus will not only ask those two questions of me, but of everyone. Honestly, the first question is relatively easy to answer. The second one requires everything. But if the first one is true, the second one is compulsory.