J o n a h at 9 0 %

We live in a day and period of time when many people say they know the Lord and even give credit or gratitude to God for good things that happen in their lives. Athletes do it, movie and tv stars do it and even some politicians do it. But, how many really know His heart. Or better yet, how many really have given Him their full heart---100%.
What does it mean to be 100%? There is a vast difference between 90% and 100% in the realm of the spirit with God. Many devoted believers usually make it to 90% fairly quickly, easily and willingly (quickly and easily because of willingly). Yes, making it from 0 - 90% is probably easier than making it from 90 - 100%. It's that last 10% that seems to be the 'sticky point'. Holding a little back--for whatever reason, unknowingly or willingly, can have a tremendous effect on one's life. It can make a contrasting difference in the outcome, produce, value and harvest of one's years of life on earth. It is that last 10% that seems to be the hardest to accomplish---that 10% obstacle(s)...... that thing(s) that holds one back from being 'average good' to being 'Godly great'-as He desires. Richard Wurmbrand, the Romanian Jewish author (Tortured for Christ) who gave up atheism for Christianity in his youth and worked for years as a pastor in the secret underground church, posed this question : "Are you a good Christian or a great Christian?" Trick question? Not really, but one that should cause us to think and soul-search a little. One that you really can't win or answer satisfactorily unless you know yourself to be a great Christian which can only come by living 100% in and by the Spirit as Jesus did.
God desires 100% of a person. He will not overwhelm anyone and take it by force. He stands at the door and knocks. People need to realize that the reason God desires full control and influence in a person's life is for their own good and benefit. Ultimately, complete intimacy and closeness to God will only reap great reward for the individual and even those whom he is associated. It is God's desire to invest Himself, His divine nature, in His highest form of creation, us, so that we can have life and life more abundantly---but He will not force the issue. He must be invited and allowed.
Many people today believe that they are doing right in the eyes of God and their fellow man. Many believe they are doing good because of an absence of bad in their life. However, good is not the absence of bad. Drawing near to God is not accomplished solely by weeding out bad habits, influences and actions in your life. This is necessary, but there is more. Many Christians today believe they are doing their 'godly' service. They probably attend church, pay tithes, are raising their children morally, obey the laws of the land, practice responsible citizenship, even go the extra mile for a friend or neighbor and yes, even attempt to be a better person as their lives progress. All that is good. Most of them would probably consider themselves as doing the will of God in their life. Some have even come a long way and made great changes and progress. They are born again, baptized in the Holy Spirit, have overcome obstacles, and have even shown fruit. Most of these people would probably grade themself an 'A' for Christian living. However, beyond the initial call to new life, beyond the willing elimination of sinful (destructive/vain) practices, and beyond the comfort zone of 'clean living', there is a call to answer. It is the call of a Father's voice. It is the call to a higher ground and yet deeper relationship. It is the call of 100%. 100% into the presence of God. It is the call to learn the lesson of Jonah. Jonah at 90%.

Jonahs' name, to most people, probably carries somewhat of a negative connotation. Jonah is known for disobeying and running from God and ending up in the belly of a great big fish.
Jonah was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel. To paraphrase, Jonah was a minister to his people----Jonah was no novice! He knew God and the voice of God and feared God (see 1:9). God spoke to Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh, (the capital of Assyria) and preach to the city that their wickedness was well known and that He was not pleased. However, Jonah disobeyed and actually left by ship in the exact opposite direction. Now, we can conjecture as to why Jonah brazenly disobeyed God although it is not the point here. Most likely, Jonah hated the Ninevites as Assyria was regarded by Israel as a hostile nation and a threat due to their historical wickedness and brutality. Also, possibly, Jonah was afraid to go to such a wicked city fearing what may lay in store for him as a repercussion to his strong message. Also, possibly, Jonah simply decided, on his own, that it would be fruitless and do no good to speak to such an idolatrous people. Whatever the reason, the point is Jonah did disobey God even though he was 'hand-selected' for the job. Jonah was a man considered by God to be 'mature' enough for the job but yet, obviously, was one that didn't quite measure up to 100% expectations. Jonah was a good and respected man who failed at 90%---letting that one obstacle stop him. We know the rest of the story. Jonah was given another chance though he had to be convinced by almost certain death. Jonah went on to complete his mission-----he preached to Nineveh and a great conviction, repentance, salvation and change came to this city as a result.
We should take a lesson here. It seemingly takes 90% of most of our efforts, energy and lives to bring ourself to where we should be with God. However, let us not stop there and be satisfied. It is that last 10% that we attain that bears great fruit in the lives of others. Good people acknowledge and fear God and take care of themselves, great people know and love God and take care of others.