Don’t "Should" on Me

You might see it differently, but I don’t like telling others what they “should” do. It wasn’t always that way and to be honest, I don’t like when others “should” on me. Do you?

So, I quickly adopted a friend’s relational rule: Don’t should on others (or yourself)! Unsolicited advice and opinion sharing just doesn’t go over well. Ask me how I know!

Jesus, on the other hand, not only told us what we should do, He told us what we must do. And I’m grateful because His motives are always pure.

In our most intimate glimpse into the Lord’s Supper, Jesus declared and demonstrated what must happen if we are to model His life. He then went to Gethsemane and did it.

It was in that garden (the press) while being squeezed that Jesus famously said, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done."

Jesus then went to Calvary to shed His blood on our behalf, drinking “the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath” that was rightfully ours alone to drink. 

The cup Jesus raised at the Lord's Supper was a cup of the fruit of the vine. It was symbolic of Christ's blood and the fruitful life produced by abiding with Jesus (John 15).

When juice is freshly squeezed it has pulp and juice mixed: it's called the "must". When life squeezes you, it just might be God looking to bring the best out of you - His way.

I don’t want to tell you what you “should” do, but John’s gospel gives you some “musts” of the fruitful Christian life. It might be good to let them squeeze you a little:

The first “must” found here is no surprise. He said this to a man who was devoutly God-centered, religious, and moral. None of us are good enough so this first must is a must!

He then drives an exclusive claim home right here. You must look to Christ alone. It’s a must for every human and the God of Calvary eliminated all other options.

Being told what we must do can be a hit to our pride. But the man who claimed to be Jesus’ “best man” said this in John 3. We’re better believers when we do it too.

Only two options on the shelf, worship God or worship self (John 4). You must choose!

It’s interesting that after Jesus rose from the grave the disciples were still confused about His resurrection (John 20:9-10). Over 2000 years later, many still are (2 Cor. 5:15-17).

The gospel leaves no one unchanged when it’s truly believed on and received. That’s a must. It produces a fruitful life of devotion to Jesus in selfless service to others.

Maybe life is squeezing you right now. It could be God revealing your need for one or more of His musts. Ask Him to allow the pressing to bring forth the must of a fruitful life.

In the GO DEEPER section, I’ve listed the all the “musts” from John’s gospel. See how many align with your life. I’d love to hear what you discover. Happy studies!

Good Reads & Ministries I Enjoy

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