We had 45 minutes’ notice of a Friday night basketball camp. I tossed the book in my purse, and while Grace got instruction, I sat on the lowest bleacher and read. Before I’d gotten through the first chapter, my gut started to churn, and I thought it might disgorge itself right there on the gym floor.
I was that afraid.
If I lived in a world of catacombs, I’m pretty sure that’s where you’d find me.
Hiding.
The call to follow Jesus is not simply an invitation to pray a prayer; it’s a summons to lose our lives. ~p. 4
I can’t imagine that I’d risk sharing the gospel in Iran.
I can’t imagine that I’d work in a known North African persecution zone.
I can’t imagine that I’d stay strong when tortured to renounce my faith.
I can’t imagine that I’d cling to the cross with a gun pointed at my head.
I’m pretty comfortable right here behind my computer screen, thank you very much.
And yet…
In a world where everything revolves around self–protect yourself, promote yourself, preserve yourself, entertain yourself, comfort yourself, take care of yourself–Jesus said, “Slay yourself.” ~p. 3
Slay yourself.
Every single one of the original disciples (except John) was killed–crucified, speared, beheaded, clubbed, stoned, burned at the stake–because they couldn’t shut up.
Couldn’t. Shut. Up.
Then there was Paul and all those torn apart or torched by Nero.
Even today in many places, to identify with Christ is akin to pronouncing one’s own death sentence.
Literally.
So what is claiming the cross really costing me?
I’ve led the Bible studies.
I’ve spoken at the retreats.
I’ve raised my hands in worship.
I’ve baked the cookies.
I’ve written a few words.
I’ve sung in the choir, played the bells, and served on committees.
“Follow me” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
I’ve always felt my ministry was to feed the fish.
Not necessarily catch them.
To encourage believers.
Not to make believers.
Evangelism’s not my gift.
In fact, I can’t think of one person who’s embraced Christ because of me.
There’ve been a few who’ve said the prayers–but I can’t say I see a change in their lives.
I’m not even sure now that I see a change in mine.
I think the one thing that is abundantly clear . . . is that there are a whole lot of people in the world who think they are Christians but are not. There are a whole lot of people who think that they’ve been born again, but they are dangerously deceived. p. 16
Gulp.
So maybe in hyperventilating over all this, I’m shifting focus to myself again. Trying to work up something He needs to pour in. Maybe I’m not called to travel a bazillion miles or move into the inner city. Maybe I am called to live quiet and love loud, to simply touch the broken and the lost as I travel. Maybe if the time came, He’d provide the strength at that time.
If my life is now His life, it’s now His problem, right?
So how does a person truly become a follower of Jesus? What happens when the Mack truck of God’s glory and grace collides with someone’s life? The rest of this book is consumed with an answer to that question.” ~p. 19
[In this book], we will consider the magnitude of the “me” we are called to follow and marvel at the wonder of his mercy toward us. As we discover how God transforms disciples of Jesus from the inside out, we will see the Christian life not as organized duty but as overwhelming delight.” ~p. 24
Platt’s really got me thinking, and I’m tempted to set the book aside.
I’m still not feeling well.
But I’ll take a Pepto-Bismol and read on.
Over at The High Calling, we’re discussing David Platt’s new book, Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live. Come listen in and/or join in. But put your seatbelt on.
Still breathing slow and deep,
Sandy
Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,”
will enter the kingdom of heaven. ~Jesus (Matthew 7:21)
Sandy, I’d just reread a bunch of the book when I wrote the post I put up today. I ended up at a place kind of close to this point:
“So maybe in hyperventilating over all this, I’m shifting focus to myself again.”
But I like your resolution so.much.better.
I know, I know. Convicting. And I agree with a lot of what Platt says. But who will do these hu-hum jobs, the no-glory kind of stuff that keeps life running if we all trot off to Africa? I think God calls us to be faithful right where we are. We should be open to where He leads, of course, but most will not have the kind of experiences David Platt has had. God holds these things in his hand. This is going to be a good discussion…
“If my life is now His life, it’s now His problem, right?”
I think there is a lot of truth in this statement and I think you are right – sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in ourselves. Our lives are His and His responsibility. He placed us where He placed us to do the work He has set before us. As Laura says – the no-glory work needs to be done as well…the lives you touch, the sheep you feed, they matter. Being faithful in small things matters…never doubt that…
well that didn’t’ work…trying to figure out the html code and instead I bolded the whole thing instead of block quoting…next time…
You are not alone in this Sandy. I ask myself those same questions -often; recently. I’m encouraged by what Laura said. We are, each of us, called to different ministries according to the gifts He has placed within us. They may be as simple and glorious as taking care of sweet little granddaughters, or caring for an elderly parent, or baking those cookies. I do think we are all called to share the good news. We just do it in different ways. He will bring into our lives the many or the few we are to share the good news with.
Thank you for writing so honestly (as you always do). Your ministry today was to encourage a friend. Thanks dear friend.
I’ve seen, studied, thought of this sort of thing so many times in the years. Have not necessarily been in a danger zone, but, when called to one a few years ago, in Uganda, my husband and I updated our wills and made sure everything was in place here. We had a hard time to stop hugging and holding when I had to go to the plane. It was stressful, but I was protected more than once, by the local pastors with their wisdom. When Dave arrived there 2-1/2 months later, I collapsed, in a sense, and was involved in PTS for a few months. I’ve written a number of those stories on my post re: the children I interviewed who had been abducted and forced into sinful lives, even when being Christian kids. When refusing, nearly were killed. HOWEVER, we can take a walk down the street, turn to the ones who need us, and life can end/change. We never know. My personal opinion is that many of our world is headed into the persecution kind of life. Another HOWEVER is that the Lord will provide the wisdom, strength, and glory in our face that will keep us focusing on Him and nothing else will truly “kill” us. Think of Stephen as he’s murdered and seeing Jesus before the rocks are thrown at him … and he doesn’t even try to break free in any way. Our spirit will become HUGE and our bodily life will reduce … and we will understand that on our way to heaven. That’s all I can rely upon.
Sorry to yammer so long. Know you are buried in people and job and reading and writing, but I can’t not give my understanding and opinion on this. [See you in only a few weeks… how cool is that???]