THE REASON WE STAND
I want you to think about a time you had to stand up for something/someone. Once you have, think of why you stood. What happened to make you want to do that? Why was it that important to you?
When I think about the world we live in, the way it is veiwed, and what I can possibly do about it, I am tempted to shrink instead of stand. With out much thought I can name a few people that have lost everything: family, friends, homes, wealth, and even their lives for the cause of Christ. These were people who could have become great, but instead of taking the opportunity they completely abandoned their potential And lost EVERYTHING.
Here are a few responses that Satan HAS USED to get others to reject Gods call on their lives:
“He is trashing his gifts. I thought God Gave him those gifts to use, not throw away. You don’t want to be like him. That is NOT the life for you.”
This, however, is not true. God has called us to be missionaries first. Even if we are not in a foreign country, we are supposed to use Gods gifts to tell others of Jesus’ love.
“Look at her. She lost everything and now she’s living on the street. What a waste. She could have been rich. That is NOT the life for you.”
I would like to point out that even if we do become poor and homeless, THAT IS OK. Jesus did not have a “home” during his ministry.
“Man, he was way to young. 32 is way to young to die, and to die in such a tragic way. He had his whole life in front of him. He left a family; everything left behind. That is NOT the life for you.”
This man was doing what he was called to do. He is now seeing his Savior. Face to face. And his family will see him again in heaven, if the follow Jesus.
Now, here are a few responses that can be and have been used to show the truth about the matter:
He is not trashing his gifts. God gave him those gifts to use for His glory, not to get rich. Don’t you want to be like him? He is doing exactly what he is supposed to be doing.
She may have lost everything and now be living on the street, but it was for the cause of Christ. She could have been no happier with earthly riches than she is now. She is doing exactly what she is supposed to do. Don’t you want to be like her?
Yes, he was young. Yes he did have his whole life in front of him. And yes, he did leave a family. But, he was doing exactly what God wanted him to do. That is what counts Yes it is sad when someone dies here on earth. But if they accepted Jesus as Christ, the Messiah, and was living in His plan for their life, they will have everlasting life through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Yes it may seem like a waste to some, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that one person, the one that because of his sacrifice is now carrying on the cause of Christ.
Philippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Matthew 16:24-27 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his father with the angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Isn’t that the life for you? Isn’t that the life for me? Is it not our calling to pick up our crosses daily and follow Jesus. Are we not called to tell others about Him no matter what. Is that not the life for us. We are messengers to a dyeing world. In this dark day and age,