Worth Dying For

Worth Dying For

 

 

There are many people in this world.  There are many possessions we have.  But what would you really be willing to sacrifice your life for?  Would you endure excruciating pain to defend something important to you?  Lately, I’ve been reading the book “Radical,” by David Platt, and it’s really beginning to alter my perspective on my faith.  I’ve come to a point where God is so real to me, and He has become the focus in my life.  However, as I read this book I am faced with wonder.  I wonder…would I be willing to sneak to an underground church in a small town in China, risking being tormented the government for breaking the law? Would I be willing to give away ALL my possessions, like the guy in Mark 10, to honor my God? As questions like these envelop my mind, some truths about the church of today have become clear to me. 

The truth: The sacrificial lifestyle of a Christian is for today.

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

I’m not sure where or when perception got distorted, but God certainly isn’t lowering His standards as time goes by.  He asks that we, as disciples, are willing to sacrifice ourselves, our possessions, our everything for Him. And if were not willing to do that, then are we really being disciples at all?

The truth: Comfort = stagnancy.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13

¹⁵ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Matthew 3:15-16

As you can see, God likes them spicay Christians ;).  When we become content and stop stepping outside our comfort zone to draw nearer to Him, He gets bored!  I mean seriously…spitting out the “lukewarm?”  I do NOT want to be that person. If we fail to obey God when it gets a little uncomfortable, we’re taking a step in the wrong direction.

The truth: God is always by your side.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Things God asks of us can be scary, no doubt.  But even in the silence, he is still right by our side.  These verses (truths) are encouraging tools to remind us of God’s faithfulness.  Sure, sacrifice is painful.  Sacrifice is hard!  God does not ask us to endure it alone though. 

The truth: It’s worth it.

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. Deuteronomy 28:1

Although the blessing is not the goal, giving everything to God in your life on earth does not go unnoticed. God keeps track of our every move, and will reward us for our sacrifice.

 

Now I’ll be real, the idea of giving up my life for my faith is something I am certainly still shaky on.  It’s very difficult to get away from the selfish part of me that helplessly values my own life.  When it comes down to it though, God truly is worth it all. I hope that as you read this you, too, are challenged to stretch your faith. I also encourage you to read the book “Radical.”  It will mess you up!

Until next time,

Tamara