Buy In

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."—Mark 1:4-8

When was the last time you convinced someone to buy into something that you did not buy into yourself? Few men succeed in doing this, maybe because it smells of dishonesty.

I recently went to a store looking for a product only to find the salesperson somewhat indifferent about their products and services. Of course, I left and didn't purchase a thing. The same principle applies to following Jesus. If you don't genuinely buy-in, people will notice. They will determine the depth of your belief by your behaviors and attitudes if they appear inconsistent, they too will not buy-in. But on the other hand, a man who's all-in is a man whose life leads others to buy-in.

John the Baptist was an all-in man. His message was challenging, and he bought in, so he attracted people to him. There were plenty of reasons for him not to buy-in, but this man had a deep conviction combined with a contagious zeal that overcame the slightest objection. And John transferred that enthusiasm, pointing people to Christ.

DO THIS: Be like John and go all-in so people will buy-in.

PRAY THIS: God bring attention to the places in my life that I am not fully bought-in. And for the sake of the gospel, help me in my unbelief to go all-in.