When it comes to people moving to places to spread the gospel, whether that be a city in America with few churches and professing Christians or whether that is a country where Christians are beheaded by radical Muslims, the question I think worth asking is: why not me?
When I read the New Testament and look at the lives of early believers, I can't help but be deeply moved by their courageous boldness to be on the move for Jesus. I cannot help but notice their willingness to face ridicule, scorn, and even death for Christ.
Why not me?
Where is my willingness to even lose a Facebook friend or Twitter follower? Am I so worried about being misunderstood or labeled something that I keep my mouth shut about things happening in our society that grieve the heart of God? Would I pick my family up and move to a city where I knew no one, all with the intent of helping more people get introduced to Jesus?
Why not me?
Is Jesus not worth every bit and more of what I just wrote? Do I believe that to live is Christ and to die really is gain? Are these just words in my Bible that sound great as Twitter posts and t-shirt fodder, but in reality is not how I live?
Why not me?
One life. Just one. Am I wasting it on comfort, popularity, safety, familiarity, and long-life?
It is not the super-Christians (no such person) who do crazy things like this. It should be every Christian willing. If we are unwilling to even ask the question, perhaps we are living in self-deception.
Why not me?
Why not you?
Erik,
ReplyDeleteThe really interesting thing is this: once you realize this and say "yes" the first time, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc get easier.
Praying for you, dear Pastor. We love and appreciate your openness to Jesus.
Ellen & Byron