The term “All In” has been coming up a lot over the Easter season. We have the example of Jesus being “All in” for us. We are asking our congregations to figure out what being “All in” for Jesus means to them. I thought it would be a good idea for the ministers of the Vicarage to sound off with their definitions of the term “All in”. Maybe it will spark some interesting conversation with our on-line community.

For me being “All In” is an act of worship. I’m not talking about the “singing a good Bethel or Crowder song” type of worship. I am talking about Romans 12 worship.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² 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.”

For me being “All In” is being game for whatever it is that God requires. To be “All In” I have had to hold everything in this world with a light touch. To be “All In” I have had to be willing to go places I never would have chosen and do things I perhaps wouldn’t have considered myself capable of and yes even wear things I never would have chosen to wear.

Being “All In” for Jesus means that when I count the cost, I have predecided that no cost is too high in finances, work or reputation. It is the willingness not just to say “hallelujah!” but to live “hallelujah” which is an audaciously loud and even seemingly foolish life for Jesus.

Why would anyone want to be “All In” for Jesus or God you ask. Well it is like the missionary/ martyr Jim Elliot said:

Or in the words of Jesus: