The Beauty of Being All In

In a world that often encourages us to hold back, to play it safe, and to give the bare minimum, there's a profound beauty in being "all in" for what truly matters. This idea of wholehearted devotion isn't just a modern concept – it's deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and spiritual truths that still resonate today.
 
Let's explore three different ways of being "all in" – two that lead to destruction, and one that leads to love and purpose.
 
All In for Harm
 
History is filled with examples of people who were completely devoted to causing harm. In the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, we see the chief priests and scribes plotting to kill him. They were so committed to their cause that they sought to do it by stealth, afraid of causing a riot among the people who admired Jesus.
 
This dedication to harm didn't just happen overnight. It was the culmination of a long-standing opposition to Jesus and His message. These religious leaders had spent years trying to trick and trap Jesus, their hearts growing harder with each encounter.
 
It's a sobering reminder that we can become "all in" for the wrong things, allowing our prejudices and fears to drive us to destructive ends. How often do we find ourselves fully committed to ideas or actions that ultimately cause harm to others or ourselves?
 
All In for Betrayal
 
Perhaps even more chilling than those openly opposed to Jesus is the example of Judas Iscariot. Here was a man who walked with Jesus for years, witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings firsthand. Yet, for reasons we can only speculate about – perhaps disappointment that Jesus wasn't the political Messiah he expected, or simple greed – Judas chose to betray his teacher.
 
Judas' story serves as a stark warning. Even those closest to the truth can fall away if they don't truly internalize it. It's possible to have all the outward appearances of faith without allowing it to transform our hearts.
 
But there's another lesson here too. Even in Judas' betrayal, we see God's sovereignty at work. What was intended for evil became part of the plan for the world's redemption. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, God can use even the worst circumstances to bring about good.
 
All In for Love
 
Now we come to the heart of the matter – being all in for love. In the midst of plotting and betrayal, we encounter a beautiful act of devotion. An unnamed woman enters the scene with an alabaster jar of extremely expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she breaks the jar and pours the entire contents over Jesus' head.
 
This wasn't a small gesture. The perfume was worth nearly a year's wages. By breaking the jar, she ensured there was no going back, no saving a little for later. It was an extravagant, wholehearted act of worship.
 
The response to her actions is telling. Some criticized her, arguing that the money could have been given to the poor. But Jesus defended her, saying she had done a beautiful thing. He recognized that her act was motivated by pure love and devotion.
 
There are several profound lessons we can draw from this woman's example:
 
1. Worship focused solely on Jesus: Her actions were not about impressing others or following religious customs. They were a pure expression of love for Jesus.
 
2. Giving our maximum, not our minimum: How often do we ask, "What's the least I can do?" instead of "What's the most I can give?" This woman gave her all.
 
3. Action, not just intention: She didn't just think about honoring Jesus – she did it. Good intentions mean nothing without follow-through.
 
4. Doing what we can: Jesus commended her for doing "what she could." We often focus on what we can't do, but God asks us to faithfully use whatever gifts and resources we have.
 
The Power of Being All In
 
This idea of being "all in" for love and faith isn't just a nice theory – it has the power to transform lives and communities. Consider the story of Scott Brinkenhoff, a widowed educator who felt called to a new assignment in South Sudan. Despite having no experience in radio, he answered an advertisement to help build a radio station and school.
 
Starting with nothing but a place to meet, Scott began teaching 30 students. Over time, that number grew to nearly 200. By doing what he could with what he had, Scott's "Cush for Christ" school became a beacon of hope and education in the community.
 
Reflection and Application
 
As we consider these examples, both positive and negative, of being "all in," it's natural to examine our own lives. Where are our deepest commitments? What are we truly devoted to?
 
Are there areas where we've become "all in" for things that ultimately cause harm – to ourselves or others? Have we, like Judas, been close to the truth without letting it transform us? Or are we, like the woman with the alabaster jar, willing to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to what truly matters?
 
The invitation is clear: to be "all in" for love, for faith, for using our gifts to serve others. It's not about perfection or having it all figured out. It's about doing what we can, with what we have, where we are.
 
Remember, God doesn't ask us for more than we can give. But He does invite us to give our all – not out of obligation, but out of love. When we do, we may find that like the unnamed woman, our acts of devotion leave a legacy far beyond what we could imagine.
 
So today, let's challenge ourselves. Where can we be more "all in" in our faith, our relationships, our service to others? What jar of precious perfume – whether literal or metaphorical – are we holding onto that could be poured out in love?
 
The beauty of being all in is that it frees us from the constant calculations of what's the minimum we can do. Instead, it invites us into a life of joyful, extravagant love – a love that transforms us and ripples out to change the world around us.

In Christ,