Involving others and getting involved with them sure can be messy at times. Expectations may go unmet. The idea of teamwork could then feel overrated. 

This thinking could seem like the better option at those times: If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.

Does it sometimes feel like involvement is a necessary evil to you? Could there be one sweet, strong involvement that always proves good no matter how all our other involvements go?

In today’s Scripture, Jesus candidly faced an involvement issue with His mom. She wanted to bring Him in on some needed action. 

A wedding reception ran dry. Involving Jesus could change things. Here’s the thinking …

Why involve Jesus?

1. Because concerns always arise. Stuff happens. Trouble comes. But He’s known as “The Overcomer” (John 16:33).
2. Because remedies are always sought. Perspective is always needed. Having enough light to work, to see, to operate is always in demand and He is the Light of the world (John 8:12).
3. Because I believe He can do something. He has the power to change things, change stories, change lives. I know He can help (Jeremiah 32:17, 27).
4. Because I know He loves to be involved. He’s not afraid to enter our mess (1 Timothy 1:15).
5. Because, in a world full of brokenness, He’s the only one who can and does hold all things together (Colossians 1:17). He’s the only one who can make all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:5).
6. Because of all the involvements I could entertain, this one’s clearly the best (Acts 4:12; Proverbs 16:3).

Well then, why wouldn’t I involve Him?

1. Because I have no real problems that I can’t handle (Because I like to live in denial.).
2. Because I don’t think He cares to be involved. He has His life, I have mine (1 Peter 5:7).
3. Because He can’t really do something. Jesus is inept, irrelevant, unaware, powerless.
4. Because I don’t want Him to weigh in. I’d rather my pride and self-sufficiency be left in charge. It’s more comfortable that way.
5. Because I’m a little embarrassed to ask (even though He told me “You have not because you ask not” – James 4:2).
6. Because I’m also a little ashamed to be identified with Him (even though He’s unashamed of me – Romans 5:8).

Do yourself a favor. Burn that second list. Call a technical foul on yourself whenever you entertain one of those thoughts. Like mother Mary, ask Jesus to get involved early and often. 

And get involved with Him as deeply as you can. His involvement is so sweet, strong, satisfying, true and eternal. 

And He so helps us to navigate every other involvement we entertain. Let that one great vertical relationship inform every horizontal move you make.

Reflect: How involved is Jesus with you? Is He your teammate? Are you His? Where can He enter into your world in a new way?

A prayer to consider: Lord Jesus, I want You involved in my life, not at a distance. Permeate every part of me — my heart, my mind, my job, my tasks, my hopes, my dreams, my dilemmas, my fears, my sense of mission and my every relationship. 

There are such great reasons to involve You. So don’t let me live in fear or retreat. I want You fully, endlessly involved. That’s the way You really want it. And that’s the way that’s best. Amen.