Perhaps you remember the “Mama Mia” craze from several years ago. You know, the movie made using music from the singing group ABBA? I will admit I was caught up in that craze. I’ve always loved ABBA’s music, so why not the movie version?

I purchased the DVD of the film and it came with “extras.” Like the DVD with a sing-a-long version of the movie.

One day while Mason was off to work, Candace asked if I would like to watch the movie using the sing-a-long version. Of course, I said yes. I had nothing else to do.

Candace disappeared while I set up the movie to watch.

Candace returned with two hairbrushes. I asked what they were for and she told me they were our microphones. Apparently she had done this before.

The first song came on and I clearly didn’t know what I was doing. She made me get up, sing into my “microphone,” and follow along with the dance moves. This proved to be difficult.

As each song played, I became less and less involved with the sing-a-long version. Eventually we sat on the couch and hummed the melodies. I was not a good sing-a-long partner and Candace has never asked me to “play” with her again.

I am reminded of the folks who encountered Jesus. Jesus asked them to “sing-a-long” with Him. He asked them to follow Him. He asked them to imitate Him.

Some he hand-picked to follow Him. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were chosen along the sea shore. Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 – NIV) These four men left their nets, their boats, and their families to join Jesus.

But as time moved along, some of Jesus’ followers thought His message was too difficult. “This is hard teaching. Who can accept it?” was the question in John 6:60 (NIV).

Jesus knew they were struggling and encouraged them. “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are sprit and they are life.” (John 6:63 – NIV) And yet, Jesus knew that some would not believe His words.

John 6:66 (NIV) tells us, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.”

How sad. And yet, there are times we don’t want to accept Jesus’ teaching either. Perhaps it’s hard for us to understand or we just don’t want to do what Jesus said. Whatever the reason, we choose to “sit this one out.” We make the decision to disengage. We no longer want to “sing-a-long.”

After many left Jesus, He turned to his chosen disciples and asked them a question. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67 – NIV) Perhaps Jesus has asked you this same question. When you have chosen to separate yourself from the life He has asked you to live. If so, I pray that you were able to give Peter’s response to this question.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68 – NIV) Yay Peter! Yay you! Yay to all who know and follow this truth. For we have nowhere else to go. Jesus is the only Way to God (John 14:6).

But we must realize that it’s not good enough to sit on the couch and watch. We must participate. We are invited to be imitators. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 – NIV)

And another passage from Jesus’ brother, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

When Jesus called us to follow Him, He didn’t call us to life of watching. We have been called to a life of doing.

So how is it going for you? Are you sitting on the sidelines and watching? Are you actively involved in Christ’s Church and God’s Kingdom? Have you stepped away from your faith because it was too difficult?

Wherever you land in this group of questions, I pray that you will ask Jesus to show where you are lacking. Let Jesus know that you are open to His words and His teachings. Then be prepared to follow His lead and go where He asks you to go.

I’m thankful that my spiritual life doesn’t mimic my play-acting life. While I may not know how to do the whole “sing-a-long” thing with ABBA, I do know what Jesus has called me to and I have accepted the call to follow Him. What a great life!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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