Complacency is Opposite of Being In the Spirit

I’ve heard, recently, of many preachers, teachers, families, missionaries, and more who’ve given their lives for the sake of Christ. Many Christians I know are horrified at this prospect, and I understand why, but I disagree at the prospect of being horrified of something Jesus said would happen. Jesus notably said,

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.” (Matthew 10:16-18)

Jesus says this again and again throughout the Gospels. Paul repeats this sentiment again and again (most notably in Romans 8), as do Peter, James, and John. This is something that Christians should expect, and, dare I say, even rejoice in. Yet, we see well-meaning people advise preachers, missionaries, and even members of the Body of Christ without a title to go to more comfortable missions, to avoid going to places where their lives could be in danger, and to dismiss God’s calling for the sake of safety. Yet something we forget is that Peter told Jesus the same thing.

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

So how did we get from Jesus, Stephen, Paul, Peter, and the millions who have died for Christ to where we are today? Simply put, complacency. We trust more in our own selves, and desire comfort and safety to the pursuit of Christ. Yes, we should mourn, but if God be for us, who can be against us? If we trust in the Lord, we can echo the author of Hebrews, who echoed the Psalmist:

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Loved ones, the call to Christ is always come and die, and, yes, some of us are called to do it literally, but all of us WILL suffer for the cause of Christ if we’re doing it right. If we trust in God, why should it matter what happens to us? Why should we not rejoice (and, yes, while mourning) when a friend, loved one, or some sibling in Christ we read about gives all for the cause of Christ? The early church did so, and yes, they rejoiced as they mourned, and so should we. We should pray for boldness, and for all of us to do what it takes for the Cause of Christ and the souls of men in eternity. There is no safety when picking up your cross and following Jesus, only a cruel, slow death that ends in Glory. And then, when we’ve entered our reward, rest. So, loved ones, keep fighting the good fight, run the race, as if you’re to win a prize. Aim for “Well done” instead of “I never knew you.” Confess Christ so He will confess you to the Father, and rest, now and in eternity, in His Grace, Mercy and Power.

Luke 9:23-27

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:57-62

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”