Risking Everything

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (Revelation 12:11)

Here is an incredible statement of the power of the message of our lives and mouths. Our society has slid into its current mess largely because we have either kept our testimony covered or have remained silent in the face of evil. God’s power is still available. The blood of the Lamb can still conquer and cleanse sin. But, when the message of God’s love is not proclaimed, then people do not hear and faith does not come. How many of us live lives that are different from the masses around us who are pursuing the goals of Self? What is the testimony of our life to our neighbor, co-worker or relative?

If we are genuinely plugged into Christ through the Holy Spirit then our lives will definitely be “different”. Our focus will not be on material success but on eternal value. Instead of being worried about getting taken, we will be trying to give. Rather than being guided by the almighty dollar, we will be guided by trying to do all we can to build God’s Kingdom. We like to think we are ready to suffer for Christ. But, how many of us are willing to suffer the lose of an hour, thirty minutes or even fifteen minutes of sleep to daily rise early and seek God? Some days, I’m not willing to suffer that much. How many of us actually pray about decisions and seek God’s guidance compared to how many just talk about praying and do whatever we feel like or what seems wise by worldly standards?

Faith comes by hearing. But, the message of Christians in this country is warped. We need a clearer message about the Truth. What do we need to change if our life is to be more focused on seeking Eternal value? Maybe we need to give up a little more sleep, accept more risk, change jobs, confront evil, pray in public, take our children out of the schools of atheism, help a widow, ask forgiveness or love an enemy (an ex-spouse?). What message is our life broadcasting? Is it that this world is all that’s really important or that we are looking to eternity and are willing to risk everything to build the Kingdom of the Lamb?

Project:

Let us:

• Ask whether we are willing to actually suffer for Christ (even giving up sleep),
• Ask God whether we love this life too much to proclaim the Truth.
  
• Ask God for His cleansing and His power to change.