Why “More” Matters

As seasons shift, we often feel a spiritual pull for more—more meaning, more purpose, and more of God. But “more” doesn’t just show up by wishful thinking. If we want more of His presence, transformation, and work through us, we must be willing to participate on His terms, not ours.

The Big Idea

The core truth here is simple: if we want more, we need to engage on God’s terms. God’s plan doesn’t change to fit our preferences. He’s already moving, and He’s waiting for us to catch up. If we’re spiritually stuck, repeating past patterns won’t bring the breakthroughs we need.

Our Natural Instinct: Find a Shortcut

We tend to seek efficiency and shortcuts, especially when life gets tough. We crave the easier, faster way, whether it’s in our work, parenting, or even our faith. But cutting corners can lead us to miss out on what truly matters. Whether it’s buying an air fryer for faster cooking or bulldozing through obstacles, we often want the benefits without the work.

The Gate, the Sheepfold, and the Thief

In John 10, Jesus uses the image of a sheepfold with a single gate. The shepherd enters through the gate, and the sheep follow. Anyone trying to sneak in another way is a thief. The thief, in this case, could be us. We want the benefits of following Jesus—peace, freedom—but often resist submitting to His lordship over our daily lives. We want salvation but hesitate to let Jesus rule over everything.

Salvation and Lordship

Salvation is not just about being rescued for eternity; it’s about submitting to Jesus as Lord. As Paul says in Romans, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” True salvation means we accept His rule in every area of life, not just in eternity.

God Moves Where We Least Expect It

God’s mercy meets those who genuinely seek Him, even in places where Christianity isn’t present. God doesn’t conform to our shortcuts. His way is through the gate, and He promises to meet those who truly seek Him.

The PATH Discipleship Pathway

To live this out, we follow a simple discipleship path: P-A-T-H.

  • Participate: Declare Jesus as Lord and embrace your identity as His child.
  • Aware: Build spiritual rhythms of prayer and Scripture reading.
  • Transformed: Allow God to transform your life into the image of Christ.
  • Help: Serve from a place of transformation, not obligation.

This path is a process, not a checklist. Skipping steps won’t lead to lasting transformation.

Radical Obedience

Radical obedience means surrendering our preferences and comforts for God’s purposes. It costs us something—our status, comfort, and even our security. But in return, we gain something far more valuable: eternal life with Christ.

Are We Willing to Trust God With Our Lifetime?

The hard question: If we trust God with our eternity, why can’t we trust Him with our daily lives? Trusting God means letting Him shape our choices, priorities, and relationships.

Practical Questions

To move from “wanting more” to “having more,” ask yourself:

  • Where am I trying to bulldoze a shortcut?
  • Have I fully submitted to Jesus as Lord?
  • Where am I avoiding spiritual growth?
  • Am I serving out of transformation or obligation?

Next Steps

  • Declare Jesus as Lord: If you haven’t, make the decision today.
  • Join a formation group: Commit to a class or small group to deepen your spiritual practice.
  • Serve after transformation: Serve from a place of obedience, not to earn approval.

Conclusion: The Gate or the Excavator?

We live in a culture that prizes shortcuts. But if we want more of God’s presence and transformation, we must choose His way. Let’s commit to participating on His terms and experience the rich and satisfying life He promises.

 

FAQs

1. What does it mean to participate on God’s terms?

Participating on God’s terms means surrendering personal preferences and following His will fully. It’s about aligning with His Word and letting Him guide every part of life — something we emphasize at our non denominational church Cleveland.

2. How can I grow spiritually through the PATH Discipleship Pathway?

The PATH process—Participate, Aware, Transformed, Help—offers a clear framework for deep spiritual growth. It teaches you to embrace Jesus as Lord and live out transformation daily. You can explore this journey through programs at our church Cleveland OH.

3. Why is radical obedience essential in the Christian walk?

Radical obedience requires trusting God beyond comfort or convenience. It means letting Him lead without shortcuts. This principle is foundational to the teachings at our non denominational church Cleveland, where believers learn to live fully surrendered lives.

4. How can I avoid spiritual shortcuts and stay consistent in faith?

Staying consistent involves daily prayer, Scripture reading, and community support. Avoiding shortcuts means trusting God’s timing and submitting to His process—values central to the mission of our church Cleveland OH.

5. What does “more of God” look like in everyday life?

Experiencing more of God means deeper peace, purpose, and transformation through obedience. It’s about engaging in His plan daily and trusting Him completely. Our non denominational church Cleveland helps believers live this out practically through worship and discipleship.