The Dangers Of “Almost”

“Almost” can be a sad epitaph for anyone…. “He almost got it together”… “We almost went to the gym to work out”…. “He almost got the job or the promotion”….. “Their marriage almost succeeded”….. “Larry almost got off of drugs”…. “He almost stopped abusing his wife and kids”…. The singer who almost hits every note, is singing pretty terrible…. The weather man who almost gets it right all the time, won’t keep his job very long….and no one wants to “almost” make it to heaven…..

Some boys were out exploring and discovered an abandoned mine shaft. They decided to do some digging for fun, and when they had only dug for a few minutes, they hit one of the richest veins of gold ever found. The gold miner who gave up and walked away, just one foot from the mother load of gold, knows the stinging feeling of “almost”.. It has been said that, “almost” doesn’t count except in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Acts 26:25, describes the situation he found himself in as he stood before his accuser, Festus, in the presence of King Agrippa….

“But Paul stood his ground as he spoke with Festus. "With all respect, Your Honor, you know that what I say is both accurate and true. v26 The King knows what I'm talking about. I'm sure that nothing that I've said sounds crazy to you. You’ve known all about it for a long time. You must realize that this wasn't done in secret. v27 You believe the prophets, don't you, King Agrippa? (You don't need to answer that) - for I know that you believe." v28 But Agrippa did answer, saying,"Keep this up much longer and I will almost be persuaded to become a Christian!"

The Ad Council produced a public service announcement that showed a homeless man curled up in a fetal position, under a pile of rags. One ratty bed spread is all that shielded him from the cold. The narrator says, "This is Jack Thomas. Today someone almost brought Jack something to eat. Someone almost brought him to a shelter. And someone else almost brought him a warm blanket." Then, after a brief pause, the narrator says "And Jack Thomas? Well, he almost made it through the night."

Another ad shows an older woman sitting alone in a room, staring out a window. The narrator says, "This is Sarah Watkins. A lot of people almost helped her. Someone almost cooked for her. Another almost drove her to the doctor. Still another almost stopped by to say hello. They almost helped. They almost gave of themselves, to bring some happiness into her loneliness and isolation.

Each ad ends with a simple, direct message: "Don't be just another shadowy statistic in the foggy realms of “almost”.

“Almost”... It’s a sad word in anybody’s dictionary. It keeps company with expressions like “if only” and “nearly”, or as WC Fields often said…“close but no cigar”… “Almost” is a word that smacks of missed opportunities and fumbled chances. Tim KcKee was edged out for first place in the Olympic 400-meter race by two-thousandths of a second. He almost won a gold medal.

Matthew 19:16 tells us that “One day, a young man stopped Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" v17 Jesus said, "Why do you question me about what's good? God is the One who is good. If you want to enter the life of God, just do what he has told you." v18 The young man asked, "Could you be more particular, I've kept the commands from my childhood, what's left?" v21 Jesus replied, "If you want to follow me, go sell all your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me." v22 That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crestfallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn't bear to let go. v23 As he watched him go, Jesus told his disciples, " it is difficult for the rich to enter God's kingdom”.

He almost believed, he almost received, he almost followed! He was an “almost” kind of guy, but almost was just not good enough.

The story of the rich young ruler is in three of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke. All three tell us that he was rich. Only Matthew mentions that he was young. Only Luke notes that he was a ruler. Mark’s Gospel tells us that he ran up and knelt before Jesus, indicating that he was sincere, earnest and respectful.

The Greek word “psoo-khay”, translated here as “eternal life” is about joy, fulfillment and peace with God. It is the most desired and highly prized commodity on earth. This rich young ruler had everything in the world except what he wanted most—this eternal, or abundant, life with true joy, a deep sense of fulfillment and peace with God.

Bruce Larson tells about a fundamental church conference where everyone was given helium-filled balloons attached to strings. They were instructed to release those balloons at any point during the service when they felt real joy and peace in their hearts. Since they were fundamentalist believers, they were not free to say, “Hallelujah! And Praise the Lord!” (Sometimes we who claim to believe the whole bible, including the upper room experience, have a hard time with that, too.) All through the service, balloons were ascending. But when the service was over, it was discovered that one-third of the worshipers were still holding on to their balloons. They had not felt that release of joy and God’s peace.

It’s sad but true. Lots of folks sit in churches week after week with the cares of life weighing heavy upon them and never find the full release of the Spirit’s joy, fulfillment and peace. And they walk out the doors and continue to carry the weight they walked in with!

When Jesus was conversing with the rich young ruler, He was really asking, “Do you have a clue who I am?” I’m everything that you’ve been searching and longing for. And I’m looking for committed followers, not almost followers!

We are nearly halfway through 2015 (can you believe it?). Actually, the year is 2015 A.D. “A.D.” which in Latin, means “in the year of our Lord.” In our secular society we usually don’t say the A.D. part, but whether the secular crowd wants to admit it or not, all of history is divided into two parts—B.C., or “before Christ”, and A.D., “in the year of our Lord”. And every person’s life who ever lived, is divided into B.C. and A.D.

Until you meet Christ and receive him by faith, you are living in a B.C. world, regardless of what year it may be. It’s startling how many believers are living much of their lives as though it’s “Before Christ”, instead of the “Year of our Lord”…… They’re living in the shadowy almost realm!!!!!

Rick Massengale was a Pro Golfer, and golf was his god. It not only caused him much inner turmoil but it also created a lot of marriage problems. His wife decided to file for divorce. But before the divorce was finalized, she said they needed to have an undistracted talk, where she laid it all out. After their talk, they decided to attend the Bible Study made available for those on the tour circuit. The guest speaker happened to be Billy Graham, who was playing in the pro-am of the Kemper Open that year. Billy Graham, told the gathering, “Christianity is not a religion; it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Rick had grown up in church and attended church as often as he was able. But he was honest enough to admit that he did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He found out how he could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He confessed his sin and trusted in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. His wife also made that commitment at the same time.

Rick says, that over the next six to eight months he realized that God was making significant changes in his life. In 1994, Rick and his wife celebrated their 25th anniversary, very much in love and very committed to Christ. Things really began to change and Rick became the director of College Golf Fellowship, a Christian ministry to college golfers and coaches. Now Rick’s life is no longer lived in B.C. (before Christ) but he lives fully in A.D. (the year of our Lord). Almost was not enough for Rick!!!!

What if Jesus were to tell you or me in a vision too real to deny: “Son or daughter, I want you to quit your job, sell your house, cash in your investments, and become a missionary.” Now, I’m not saying that everyone will be asked to do this, but the real question is, what are you willing to do, when the Master asks you?

Abraham had to be willing to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrificial offering on the altar…. (that’s just incomprehensible) we know that he didn’t have to do it, because God provided a sacrifice, but he had to be willing right up to the moment that he raised the knife to make the offering….

Jesus was really saying to the rich young ruler: “You are carrying a security blanket that you rely on more than God, and it’s your money, your position and your possessions. They are the objects of your devotion.

God will not agree to be the other Diety, in our line-up of favorites. We must choose either God or the idols….Our other Gods must be de-throned in order for us to experience the glory of God. Money, position, and possessions are morally neutral they are neither good or bad. They can do great good or they can do great harm, depending on who is in control of them.

These things are the most seductive false gods on earth, and more Americans go to hell because of them, than all other sins put together. An “almost” devotion to the Lord God, will not be enough!

It makes no difference in anything, and it changes nothing when you “almost” obey, when you almost forgive, when you almost visit someone sick and shut in, when you almost give your tithe….or when you almost believe….People who live their lives in the realms of “almost”, lean a lot on the 11th commandment…. "Thou shalt not get caught doing it."

*….Richard Evans said “The tragedy of living a fulfilling life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to really commit to it.”

Erma Bombeck said “Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who wished they hadn’t waved the dessert cart away.”

One of the saddest statements in all of Scripture is where it says “When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” The young man had caught a glimpse of a joyful, fulfilling, peaceful, magnificent, God-centered way of life. Something in the eyes and spirit of Jesus sent shivers of excitement down his spine. It was as if his whole life had been preparation for this pivotal crossroad.

You don’t have to be a psychiatrist to conclude that the young man probably became a grumpy old man, unhappy with his money, always looking back sadly to that day when, face to face with the Master, he almost became a disciple.

Let me give you a slice of truth….Not everybody is going to hell; but everybody, including this preacher, deserves to go to hell. Why? Because all of us are B.C. people who stood at a crossroad and decided to enter “the year of the Lord”….

*….Most of us don’t realize how awful “ALMOST” is in the sight of our holy God. It is cosmic treason. It’s a puny little creature such as you or me shaking our fist in the face of Almighty God, saying, “I don’t care what You command or prefer. I’m going to do what I want to, and I’ll do it my way. If You don’t like it, that’s just tough!”

Bill Hybels, was on an airplane one day. The passenger beside him asked Bill what he did for a living. When he replied that he was a minister, an interesting conversation ensued. The man said, “I believe in God, but I don’t attend church. I don’t see why I need it. I am an honest guy, and I try to treat other people decently. One day when I die and meet God, I believe that my record will be acceptable to Him.” Bill Hybels took a legal pad from his brief case and said, “I agree with you that God will judge all people. Let’s do some preliminary figuring on how we might stack up before God. I’m going to draw a line across the middle of this page. Let’s say that anything above this line represents a passing grade with God. Now, who is the best person you can think of, the one who would get a high passing grade with God?” The man thought for just a moment and replied, “Billy Graham.”

“Fine,” said Bill, “let’s put Billy Graham way below this line, where Billy Graham himself says he ought to be. He has said repeatedly that he is a sinner who deserves to go to hell; but only because Jesus paid for his sins on the cross is there anything worthy in him. Now, Bill said, “I’m going to put my own name on this chart well beneath Billy Graham’s name. Because I’m a sinner whose only hope is the cross.” Bill Hybels noticed that his new friend had suddenly become strangely quiet, and he asked him, “Now, where should we put your name on the chart? You don’t want to be ranked above Billy Graham, do you?” The man was reflective and said, “you have almost persuaded me”……

I want to point out one more “almost” individual today….. “He is referred to as the “son of perdition”, his name has negative connotations, and is linked with such words as untrustworthy, deceiver, betrayer, traitor and conspirator. He looked to be something he was not. His name is Judas. Amazingly, he is referred to as one of Jesus’ disciples…. It says he was one of the twelve and in another place that he was numbered among them….

You see “almost” can be so close, and yet so far! The bible calls it putting our hand to the plow and looking back….. being double minded….standing in the valley of decision….but never making the most important decision… to move from almost, to a sold out, fired up, kingdom person!!!

In a certain African village, the Christians were earnest and regular in their prayers and devotions. Each one had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn and without any grass. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to all the others as they watched their lives. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass has begun to grow on your path."

The bible says that an angel brought forth Peter from the prison, but we know that it was prayer that brought the angel to the prison!!!

Judas ALMOST made it to the upper room on the day of Pentecost…He ALMOST became a world changing apostle of faith and power…..He ALMOST spread the life changing gospel….. He almost healed the sick and cast out devils….ALMOST!!!!! If only he had renounced those things which continually drove him from the things which were infinitely and eternally better. If only he could have renounced the love of the world, in order to be filled with the love of God, but he never got beyond ALMOST!

There was a young lady who went to a Revival meeting and the church was full. One night she raised her hand for salvation. One of the counselors went back to where she was and invited her to walk forward and receive Jesus Christ. She refused to walk forward in front of all the people. After she refused the counselor said; “Then young lady, you’re not saved, you’re almost saved.” This went on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thursday Evening, after sitting under the preaching of the truth, she raised her hand again; again the counselor went back to where she was sitting. She said; “I want to follow Jesus, and I will do anything and go anywhere He asks me to.” The counselor said “Young lady, now you are truly saved, let’s walk together, down to the altar.”

Oh, child of God, One day, and it will be soon, we will throw off these bodies of flesh. Our souls shall be released to come wholly into all the fullness of God! What heart can conceive, what tongue can express, what mind can even comprehend the unspeakable joy and consummate fulfillment with which we shall rejoice and take pleasure in every wholehearted commitment we made for Christ in this life.

There will be no regrets, over whatever sacrifice He asked of us, but there will only be a desire, that we could have done more and even perhaps, shame, that we did not do more and that we were so reluctant to give up even more for God.

As I close, I want to flip this thing about “Almost” totally around……

The Devil almost had me, but I met Jesus and I am His….. Satan almost stole my healing, but Jesus showed me that I was healed 2000 years ago…. I almost died from drugs and alcohol, but I called on Jesus and He set me free…. The deceiver almost convinced me to give up, but the Lord gave me strength to stand in faith, and receive my victory!!!

Let’s get the “almost” off of our lives and put it all over on the Devil!!!!!

I don’t know everything, but I know 3 things…I know God….I know His word is true…and I know if you stay close to Him, He will see you through!

Hallelujah….. Let’s make our declaration together today…..and leap over from almost, to the Healed, the delivered, the overcomers, the redeemed, the King’s Kids….. too blessed to be stressed, too anointed to be disappointed, too inspired to be tired, too joyful to be woeful, too full to be dull, too victorious for him to run over us… too saved to be swayed!!!

OUR CONFESSION…..

I declare that there is an anointing of peace, joy and contentment on my life. God is going before me to make the crooked places straight. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I will not be continually struggling. What used to be difficult, will not be difficult anymore. I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. I will be too strong for fear, and too happy to allow trouble to control me. God’s favor and blessings on my life, are releasing the heaviness and taking the pressure off.

I declare that I will put actions behind my faith and I will not be passive or indifferent. I will demonstrate my faith by taking bold steps to move toward what God has put in my heart. My faith will not be hidden, it will be seen. I know that God will show up and do amazing things. Life is a gift, I treasure it; Life is an adventure, I explore it; Life is a Lesson, I am learning from it; Life is a puzzle, I am solving it; Life is beautiful, I’m embracing it; Life is an opportunity, I’m taking it; Life is a gift, I’m unwrapping it. I am invigorated and strengthened with all power by Your Spirit to exercise every kind of endurance and patience, perseverance and forbearance with joy.

Thank You Lord, that you are perfecting every good work in me and bringing it to its full completion, for Your glory and honor. Today is an incredible day. Success, prosperity and abundance in many forms and ways are finding their way into my life today. I gratefully enjoy their manifestations throughout this day and happily share their blessings with many others in order that they may enjoy their benefits as well. “I am happy, I am wealthy, I am secure, I am positive, I am blessed, I am grateful, I am God’s amazing creation.

I am confident, I am courageous, I am worthy, and I am excited about God’s presence and His will being done in my life. I greet whatever awaits with vibrant faith and unending joy. I realize that at times I must forsake the comfortable and familiar, in my quest for the best, for you have made my life, an adventure of discovery and you have gone before me to prepare all my tomorrows with the blessing of new places, new things, new friends, new opportunities, and new challenges.. through Christ Jesus my Lord, amen!!!!