A pinch of this, a dab of that, and I can be palatable to those who call themselves Christians and still be popular with those who do not identify in this way. A little Jesus will get me sober. A little Jesus will comfort me when I mess up. A little Jesus comes in handy when I need to feel that I am more than just me. A little Jesus means I can be what I am while claiming to be something more.

A little Jesus is a modern western world concept.

The convenience of attaching oneself to a belief structure has served many well. From all star preachers to all star athletes, from award winning actors to elected officials, a little Jesus has become fashionable. It’s a get of jail free card, in some cases literally. It isn’t a change in life as much as a change in language. It isn’t a desire to serve but more a desire to be served. A little Jesus comes in handy when people want a lot of the world without the fear of the consequences. Grace is cheap or at least the concept has been cheapened.

A little Jesus is a Bible times concept.

The leaders of the New Testament often found themselves addressing those who hid themselves in the body of believers taking on only enough Jesus to fit in with the group when it served their purposes. Simon the Sorcerer took a little Jesus and then tried to pay for a little more so he could gain for himself. Judas tagged along with Jesus and His disciples until betraying Him became more desirable. Even Peter found a little Jesus was more than enough when he felt his life was on the line and denied knowing Jesus. It’s not a new concept.

A little Jesus is not enough.

There is no mention in the Bible of a buffet style faith that allows those who claim to be followers of Christ to pick and choose what part of Christ suits them most. The world we live in is full of untransformed people who call themselves Christians but live a life that is more in line with the ways of the world. Holiness has been replaced with grace rather than grace being the reason to want and strive to be holy. Jesus is a good moral teacher but that is the limit. The Bible, a good book but its contents are only suggestions, not requests or dare I say commands. Jesus loves me just as I am so as I am I will stay.

A little Jesus is a weak version of a great God.

We are created in the image of God, but we are also to strive to bear that image as a light to the world. A little Jesus is living in the world under a façade that makes us look Godly. The light of Christ should make its way into the darkest parts of our life, changing us and making it obvious that we are not like the rest of the world. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12.2 NIV – Do not conform to the pattern of this – Bible Gateway Not a little bit of Jesus but all of Him changing every part of us. I might be the only one, but I feel like I am living in a world that wants to be ignorant to God’s good, pleasing and perfect will, opting rather for a little Jesus that leaves me not so good, not so pleasing and not at all perfect will intact.

A little Jesus leaves room for a lot of me.

A little Jesus allows me to create God in my image. A little Jesus allows me to remain unchanged. A little Jesus places the ways of the world in charge of the way I live. We like the free gift from God but ignore the true cost to each one of us. 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians2:20 NIV – I have been crucified with Christ and I – Bible Gateway

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 NIV – For if you live according to the flesh, – Bible Gateway

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 NIV – Then he said to them all: “Whoever – Bible Gateway

It’s all or nothing, a little Jesus will not do.