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Cheap Crosses

I recently read about a man who was traveling in Brazil and happened upon a Brazilian religious festival. He perused all of the festivities surrounding the festival and came to an area with venders in their different booths. He noticed a booth that was selling religious-themed goods at low prices. The sign over that particular booth read, “Cheap crosses.”

That’s what we’re looking for sometimes, isn’t it? We look for the cheap crosses. We try to find ways to squeak into heaven, turning Christianity into a checklist religion rather than an obedient faith that responds to God’s amazing grace, mercy, and love. We try to find ways to water down the gospel so that we can justify our shortcomings and transgressions. We look for the easy way out, that path of least resistance, that will not call upon us to go outside of our comfort zones and that will not force us to go against the grain of our culture.

All the while, Jesus says this:

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? (Luke 9:23-25).

Just as Jesus bore a cross for us, so we are called to bear a cross for Him. This is a Christian’s daily activity.

Jesus’ cross wasn’t cheap, was it? Peter says that we were bought with “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:19). That’s the blood of the “only begotten Son” of God (John 3:16). That’s no cheap cross.

Let’s wrap it up: Why would we expect our crosses to be cheap? Jesus gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives to Him. Why would we expect anything different? The Christian is called to fully surrender to the Lord. He surrenders his life, his will, his interests, his pleasures, his thoughts, and his speech to Jesus. “It is no longer I who live,” Paul wrote, “but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).

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The Gift of Giving

This is the season of giving! Or, is it getting? Sometimes I’m not sure.

I’m a huge fan of Christmas. I love the gifts, the decorations, and all of the festivities. However, I do believe that we – especially us Americans – need to exercise caution not to become too materialistic this time of year.

In Acts 20:35, Paul reminded the Ephesian elders about the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Interestingly, this is the only time that we read these words of our Lord. I’m thankful that Paul cited them so we could have them for all the ages. Let’s notice three points about this passage: the example, the expectation, and the experience of giving.

1. The Example of Paul

In Acts 20:34, Paul states that he had worked hard to provide for his own necessities so that he would not be a burden on the Lord’s church. As such, Paul provides a wonderful example for you and me. Let’s work to serve others instead of sitting by and waiting on others to serve us. Which leads us to the second observation.

2. The Expectation of the Church

Paul makes it clear that God expects all Christians to look for ways to serve each other – especially when it comes to spiritual needs. He says, “you must support the weak” (Acts 20:35). Galatians 6:1-2 is a parallel passage, which tells us to bear one another’s burdens, or trespasses. We are to help each other, walking with each other to remain faithful together. Camaraderie is an amazing gift you can give.

3. The Experience of Giving

Let’s focus in on Jesus’ words that Paul quotes. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Paul called on the elders to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus.” That word “remember” means to constantly call to mind.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give…” (Acts 20:35). That word “blessed” refers to a higher, deeper, and fuller experience than mere happiness. Gareth L. Reese, in his commentary on Acts, says this on page 757:

There is a deep sense of blessedness that is experienced by the man who gives! There is a more lasting satisfaction resulting from being one who gives, than there is in being one who simply gets.

The word “give” is given in the present tense form in the original language. It could be translated, “constantly giving.” Wayne Jackson says that the sense is this: “Happier is the one who consistently practices giving, than is he who constantly receives” (Acts: From Jerusalem to Rome, page 263).

Let’s wrap it up: Paul’s words from Christ are, of course, absolutely true. The one who gives is absolutely blessed. He or she finds a deep sense of satisfaction and joy in giving that just cannot be found in receiving. Sure, receiving brings gratitude and it ties us together as people, but giving reminds us that what we have is from God; it’s not ours to begin with! This helps us to avoid selfishness and greed. Giving helps us to become more godly as we consider our heavenly Father who gave His only begotten Son for us.

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Paul’s Resolution

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).

Are you interested in taking steps toward spiritual improvement in 2015? I’ve been making some personal plans over the past several days. In Philippians chapter three, we see a wonderful pattern for spiritual goal setting.

Here are five observations from Paul’s resolution statement in Philippians 3:13-14.

1. Prioritization

Some things are more important than others. Paul had his priorities right. He says, “one thing I do” (Phil. 3:13). He was focused on the spiritual things first. Will your 2015 (Lord willing) reflect that same focus?

2. Progression

Paul said that he was forgetting the past and reaching forward to the future. There were some things in Paul’s past that I’m sure brought shame to his mind. Conversely, there were perhaps some parts of Paul’s more recent past that may have made him proud (in a good kind of way). However, those things were behind him. The fact that he had a past meant that he had made progress, right? Be sure that you are making progress – and that you’re making it in the right direction (Mat. 7:13-14).

3. Pressure

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” Paul said (Phil. 3:14). The word “press” means to put in rapid motion; to pursue. There was a time when Paul put pressure on the cause of Christ (Acts 9:4-5; 22:4). Following his conversion to Jesus, Paul pressed toward the finish line of a life well lived. In what direction are you pressing?

4. Prize

Paul was pressing toward the prize. There’s a reward, a rest, that awaits those who faithfully run the Christian race and cross that great finish line. John was instructed to write,

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

It’s important to remember why you do what you do. There was a heavenly home upon which Paul was focused. But it was about more than just the prize. The prize’s value was found in Who resides in heaven. Back up to Philippians 3:8-11 and you see that Paul was fully focused on heaven because of his focus on Christ. Notice that, in those verses, Paul expresses his desire to…
* … Gain Christ (Phil. 3:8).
* … Be found in Christ (Phil. 3:9).
* … Know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Phil. 3:10).
* … Attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:11).

It’s important that we maintain our motivation in living for Jesus.

5. Planning

Paul had clear goals. He lived with the end in mind, focusing always upon his promised prize and on the One who had given Him that promised hope. This doesn’t happen by accident, does it? And it won’t happen by accident for you or me, either. We won’t grow by osmosis through hearing sermons on Sundays and sitting through Bible classes on Wednesdays. We will have to focus our hearts and employ our hearts on studying and practicing the truth.

Let’s wrap it up: Prioritization, progression, pressure, prize, and planning: these are all elements that accompanied Paul’s resolution statement. These five elements will undoubtedly be included as you and I make plans for spiritual improvements.

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Why Did God Create Time?

Clock

You may think I’m weird for admitting this, but I really enjoy to study time management. I find it interesting to read about how busy people manage their time and how they implement tools, tricks, and tech to be more productive. The subject especially interests me when it relates to how preachers can best manage their time.

If you are like I am, then you have probably wished for more hours in the day or more days in the week to get more things accomplished.  Why are there twenty four hours in a day? Why not more than that? Why only seven days in a week? I can’t answer those questions, but I know this: our Father’s plan is best, and His actions are deliberate in creating the world to be bound by time and space.

Time marches mercilessly. Now we find ourselves at the very edge of 2013, right on the brink of a new year, the Lord willing. Let us use the ending of this year to consider the purpose behind God creating time.

[highlight]1. Time and the Sovereign.[/highlight] God is not bound by time and space. The Bible speaks of the Father having His plan for man’s salvation in place before the world was even founded (John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:20). It is no wonder, therefore, that “in the beginning, God” was already there (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1). He is eternal. In God’s sight, a thousand years is like one day (2 Pet. 3:8).

[highlight]2. Time and Stewardship.[/highlight] Time is a gift of which we are stewards. A steward is one who is charged with the responsibility of caring for something. Time is only used, it is never made. Our true priorities are reflected through in how we spend our time. Jesus said that His people will put the kingdom first (Mat. 6:33). Does Christ’s command not also involve our time? The apostle Paul would challenge Christians of all ages when he commanded: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). To waste time is a sin. Does that mean that it is a sin to rest and relax? Of course not. God created humans to need regular rest. Paul condemned becoming spiritual lethargic. Christians certainly have no time to waste. All of our plans are to be considered in light of the Lord’s will (James 4:13-15).

[highlight]3. Time and Salvation.[/highlight] Some people are wasting time and gambling with their souls. They are delaying to obey the gospel or are putting off being restored to faithful service to God. They are playing with eternity and taking advantage of God’s patience with them (2 Pet. 3:9). 2 Corinthians 6:2 says that “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” There is not a better time to obey God than right now.

[highlight]4. Time and the Second Coming.[/highlight] Jesus made it clear: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Mat. 24:36; Mark 13:32). No one knows when the earth will end and the judgment will take place. But we know this: that day is coming. This was the point that Peter was making in 2 Peter 3:8 (mentioned above). A couple thousand years may separate us from the New Testament days when God spoke through the apostles and promised that the world would end and that all of humanity would be judged (2 Cor. 5:10), but those promises are still just as true as the day they were made. Carefully read 2 Peter 3.

May God help us to carefully use each moment as an opportunity to please Him.

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Why I Won’t Preach Your Funeral

 

“Well that’s a little presumptuous,” you may think as you read today’s title. “Who asked you to preach my funeral anyway?!” Touché, my friend.

I want to begin by noting that it is an honor to be asked to “preach” someone’s funeral (eulogize). I recognize those opportunities as tender moments for a grieving family in which I have the honor of sharing God’s comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-7), and discussing fond memories. Though that is the case, my statement above still holds true.

[highlight]I won’t preach your funeral because you are already preaching it yourself.[/highlight] In the way you live and in how you love, you are writing your own eulogy.

Some people view this kind of thinking as morbid. I don’t have a problem thinking about death. The truth is, we all have an appointment with death (Heb. 9:27). The only thing that could interrupt that appointment would be when Christ comes on the judgment day (1 Cor. 15:50-58; 1 Thes. 4:13-18). Even still, there will be a change from the physical to the spiritual; there will be a transition from time to eternity.

This week I was privileged to have a part in a godly woman’s funeral. We celebrated her life and were challenged by her stellar example. She had already preached her funeral. All I had to do was report the facts. As I prepared my remarks for that service, I read through 2 Peter 1:5-8, the “Christian graces.” It struck me as I read them that this dear sister exemplified each quality that Peter lists.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:5-8).[/box]

On Tuesday, as I stood before the family and friends who gathered to honor her memory, I mentioned that this sister in Christ was a true picture of Christianity. I also mentioned that she would not have wanted me to say that about her. Instead, her sentiments would echo the apostle Paul’s: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

So what about you? What legacy will you leave to your family and friends? What are you doing now that will make people want to be better in the future?

I don’t know who will preach your funeral. Maybe you don’t know, either. Here’s what I do know. After you die, someone is going to remember you for who you were. What will they preach or recall about you? Are you providing them with good material?

As a closing thought, I want to emphasize that we don’t live to be men pleasers. The fact is: people will remember you for something. But even more important than that is what you’ll have to say for yourself before the judgment bar.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).[/box]

Thanks for reading.

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Three Huge Advantages of Christian Friends

The old proverb says

As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Prov. 27:17).

As always, the Bible is spot on! My wife and I spent last weekend with the three other married couples who are involved in The Light Network. Several months ago, we decided to take a weekend to make plans for our work in the coming year, Lord willing. The team works well together, so I knew we would be super productive. I also knew we would benefit from just relaxing and hanging out together.

As I take a few minutes to think about what I’ve learned and how I’ve benefited from the weekend, I can’t help but think about the major advantages of having good, Christian friends. Here are three:

[highlight]Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my faith.[/highlight] We all know that it’s really hard to stand up for your convictions – especially when they counter culture to the extent that so many biblical teachings do. In a world where groups such as the ACLU and the Freedom from Religion Foundation sue everyone who dares to show their religion in a public way, and in a world where alleged scientists claim that evolution is the only stance on human origins for anyone with common sense, in a world where atheism is among the fastest growing movements in the United States, it is ever so easy to feel lonely as a Christian. Godly friends who are unified in the faith help us to effectively accomplish Jude’s command to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3).

[highlight]Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my fight with sin.[/highlight] It’s not that the thought of my friends messing up brings me comfort. It’s knowing that their struggles are similar – if not identical – to mine. They can relate to my shortcomings because they are in the trenches, fighting the Christian’s battle every day just like I am. It’s only natural, then, that we share our triumphs and our tears; that we praise one another and pray for one another, all while thanking God and glorifying our Father that we can partake in Christ’s sufferings (1 Pet. 4:16; cf. 2 Tim. 1:8).

[highlight]Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my family values.[/highlight] Some people (including Christian people) just don’t understand why Emily and I would choose to closely follow the biblical plan for the home. You know the one: where the man is the head of the house and the wife is the keeper of the home. They don’t understand why our family time (even though it’s just the two of us) is so important. They don’t get why we would choose to spend “time off” doing church work. For whatever reason, this is often the case especially for preachers and their families. My Christian friends get it. They’re trying to live it, too. They help me not to give up or to conform to society’s view of “marriage.” They are godly husbands and godly wives. They’re happy and content. They’re excited about their homes – and it’s contagious. They are proof that God’s way is best.

These three reasons affirm the positive truth to the negative warning given in 1 Corinthians 15:33:

Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.

I’m thankful for Torrey & Alexandra Clark, Chris & Melissa Clevenger, and Brad & Brooke McNutt. I’m thankful for my best friend, Emily, and the encouragement she constantly gives to me. Each of these (and others whom I could mention) challenge my thinking, encouragement me to live better, and excite me for heaven, where we will never have to pack up and go our separate ways.

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Question: What are some other advantages of Christian friendships? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Seven Baptisms in Two Weeks: What I Have Learned

Baptism

The power of the heart-pricking message of the gospel has been clearly seen in the past few days at East Hill. Since two Wednesdays ago, we have rejoiced with seven individuals who have put on their Lord in baptism (three of which were in one Wednesday night!), and we have prayed with and been encouraged by one sister who wished to rededicate her life to the Lord! These eight precious souls have served as a motivation for us all to examine and re-examine ourselves spiritually (2 Cor. 13:5).

Do we realize the potential of one obedient soul? I’m talking about our influence. This past Wednesday evening, I was talking with five of these new, young Christians. I asked them: “Do you see what you’re capable of?? Look at what has been sparked here by your decision to obey the gospel!” They smiled and agreed. These eight souls have influenced one another and, through their actions, have exhorted all of us to secure our souls in Christ. I see at least three lessons that I can learn from them.

[highlight]1. NO ONE IS AN ISLAND.[/highlight]
Over the past few days, we have been eye witnesses to the fact that our actions influence other people. Two sisters in the flesh became sisters in Christ because of this truth! However, let us learn this lesson both in the positive way and in the negative way. Just as one person’s obedience can encourage another to obey, so can one person’s disobedience influence another person to disobey God. Christians are to shine like the lights of a city on a hill or a lamp on a lampstand (Mat. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15). No one can deny it: our actions affect other people.

[highlight]2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.[/highlight]
Satan wants us to feel isolated because we are Christians, as though there is no one else in the world who struggles with sin. The truth is, you are not alone in your struggles. Paul said that temptation is common to all men (1 Cor. 10:13). The blood of Christ can wash our sins away (Acts 9:22)! God’s mercy can restore us back to faithfulness (1 John 1:9)!

[highlight]3. DO NOT WAIT TO OBEY THE GOSPEL.[/highlight]
The longer you procrastinate with petty excuses, the longer you waste precious time for your soul to be saved and for you to fulfill the purpose for which God made you (cf. Eph. 2:10). Paul understood the power of Timothy’s influence. He said that Timothy’s obedience would not only save himself, but also those who heard him preach (1 Tim. 4:16). Whose heart will God touch through your righteous life?

Kurt F. Kaiser wrote a song called Pass it On. His words seem appropriate here:

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s love;
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone;
You want to pass it on.

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Conquering Indifference: Lessons from Laodicea

Yesterday morning, I concluded a sermon series based on the letters to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3. The final letter is addressed to the church in Laodicea, Christians to whom no words or praise are offered. This little post are a few related thoughts to yesterday’s sermon.

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The appointment was routine, but the results were far from it. What started as an annual checkup at the doctor’s office became a life-altering moment of human mortality. More tests needed to be done. Current information was inconclusive, but there was a chance that something was seriously wrong. The man felt healthy that morning as he went in to see the doctor, but he left that afternoon feeling broken.

We all know people who have experienced the above scenario. They weren’t sick – or, at least, they didn’t feel sick – but, shockingly enough, something was seriously wrong. That is exactly what happened to the Christians in the congregation at Laodicea. When the Great Physician came, they thought that everything was fine, but the facts were far different.

THE DIAGNOSIS. In Revelation 3:17, Jesus describes how these Christians viewed themselves. They said, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” But Jesus had the truth. He said that they were actually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” These brethren had lulled themselves into a spiritual coma. They were “neither cold nor hot” (Rev. 3:15); they had grown lukewarm, complacent, and indifferent. Little more than a flicker remained of the spiritual flame that once blazed in their hearts. Perhaps you and I can relate. Let’s hasten to the solution!

THE PRESCRIPTION. There was a three-fold prescription for the three-fold problem:

  1. A co-payment. The Lord said, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich” (Rev. 3:18). Though they were spiritually poor, Jesus commanded that they pay a price. Jesus gave His life for us, and we must give our lives to Him (Luke 9:23-25; Gal. 2:20). They were to give their lives to Jesus, and remain faithful to Him through the fiery trials of life (1 Pet. 1:7).
  2. A uniform. Jesus commanded them to put on “white garments, that you may be clothed.” The white color represents the holiness to which all of God’s children are called (1 Pet. 1:13-16). Holiness is to be our identity, character, and reputation.
  3. An ointment. The Laodiceans excelled in ophthalmology, yet they knew nothing of their spiritual blindness. God’s Word had the cure (2 Cor. 4:18; 5:7).

Jesus diagnosed them as poor, naked, and blind. Then, He gave the prescription so they could be spiritually rich, spiritually clothed, and have spiritual sight.

I’m afraid too many Christians are like our Laodicean brethren. This is no small issue! Let us take action TODAY to follow the prescription of our Great Physician.

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What Does it Take to be a Worship Leader?

Today’s post is for us men (including young men). I recently preached a sermon about the role of women in the church. While studying 1 Timothy 2, I noticed several instructions given to men regarding worship. What does it take to be a leader in the worship assembly? Per God’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2, we understand that women are not permitted to lead in our public assemblies.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ] I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Tim. 2:8).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ] And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence (1 Tim. 2:12).[/box]

The Greek word translated “men” in verse eight is aner. The term is never used of the female gender. In fact, it stands in distinction from a woman. The Holy Spirit, through Paul, was clearly commanding the men to be the worship leaders. However, being male is not the only requirement for being a leader in worship.

Per Paul’s apostolic, inspired commands, we see two areas of a man’s life that qualify him to stand before the congregation and lead them in worship before the Father.

[highlight]First, a worship leader must have the right ACTIONS.[/highlight] Paul says that men must pray, “lifting up holy hands” (1 Tim. 2:8). This has nothing to do with prayer posture. If it did, then what exactly are literal “holy hands”? The point is that a man must live a righteous, holy life. The Bible often uses hands to refer to one’s actions. Look at the inspired writing of James:

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8).[/box]

Cleansed hands represent pure, holy actions. As new creatures, Christians have put off the old man of sin and “have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Col. 3:10).

[highlight]Second, a worship leader must have the right ATTITUDE.[/highlight] Paul continues in verse eight: “without wrath and doubting.” The word wrath refers to anger and indignation. Doubting refers to disputatious reasoning, skeptical questions, or criticisms. Attitudes go beyond our reputation to our character, who we really are.

These two qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 2:8 help us to realize that leading in worship is a serious responsibility and a tremendous privilege. Men should not take these qualifications to be discouraging hindrances from leading in worship. Rather, we should view them as challenges. May we accept the challenge to have holy actions and righteous attitudes so that we can be God’s men and faithfully lead our brothers and sisters in Christ before God’s awesome throne.

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Faith through the Fire, #3

This week on the blog, I’ve been focused on the incredible account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace (check out part 1 and part 2 in my “Faith Through the Fire” series). Today, three simple lessons that remind us, yet again, that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). Here’s some hope for your Friday.

1. As a child of God, wherever you are, He is there. God was with these three Jews even when they had been plucked from their home and taken to the foreign land of Babylon. He was there when they were placed in Nebuchadnezzar’s training program and as they were forced to serve the king. God was there when Nebuchadnezzar made the great golden image, and He was there when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to worship it.

God is with you, too. Mankind is reminded of His presence in the psalms (Psa. 139:7-12). We read how He was there beside all of the faithful men and women in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, His only begotten Son comes into the world and is called “Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us” (Mat. 1:23). Jesus promised to be with us “always, even to the end of the age” (Mat. 28:20). Paul said that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38-39). The Psalmist believed that nothing could separate him from God’s deliverance (Psa. 68:20).

Wherever you find yourself today, remember that God is there. He’s at work, and He knows the temptations you face there. He’s at home, watching your family. He’s at school, and He knows your struggles, hurts, and pains. Are you on that spiritual mountaintop? He’s there, too. Are you in that spiritual valley – or, maybe even a fiery furnace of sorts (1 Pet. 1:7)? Yep, He’s there, too.

2. God’s protection is complete and perfect. Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t deny the miracle that God brought about that day. Three men were thrown into the furnace, but four men were seen inside moments later. When the three men emerged from the furnace,  it was as though they hadn’t even been around a fire (Dan. 3:27)!

God will protect you, too. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1). The three Jewish men put their entire trust in God. They knew He was able to deliver them and they trusted His Will to do what was best (whether God chose to deliver them or not, Dan. 3:18). Do I trust Him that much? Do I have the faith to cast “all [my] care upon Him, for He cares for [me]” (1 Pet. 5:7)? If I don’t, it isn’t because God hasn’t told me of His love and concern for me. Give it to God. Let go. Let God.

3. The glory of God is more important than our deliverance. Wow. That’s a huge statement. Think about how history describes the death of the apostles. All of them, with the exception of John, died the death of martyrs (John certainly was not exempt from suffering, Rev. 1:9). God’s glory was more important than their lives. They gave themselves for Him. That’s why they suffered as they did (2 Cor. 11:24-33; 12:15).

No matter what, we must resolve to honor God always and in all things. He is worthy, and we are His servants. To be clear, it is not God’s Will that we be a type of “suicide Christian.” It is God’s Will that we live so we can spread the gospel message and shine as lights in the world. But, when sainthood leads to suffering (and it always does, 2 Tim. 3:12), and when suffering leads to a be-faithful-or-die situation, we know what God wants.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Cor. 2:15-16).[/box]

Let’s follow Christ’s example in suffering and in death (1 Pet. 2:23) and let’s commit ourselves to do the Father’s Will.