Are We Willing to Pay the Cost?

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:6-10

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. These men knew that freedom that cost nothing, accomplishes nothing. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.

Every person that has endured such pain, such suffering and such devotion did it because they not only believed in something strongly but because they knew that there was a greater cause and purpose.

Every person that has said yes to Jesus Christ and had their life changed and transformed into something that has more and a greater purpose is because of the cross on Calvary and what Jesus did there. Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing. Christians are called to follow Christ, to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), and if necessary to suffer wrongfully (1 Peter 1:19). We must go where He goes and share His lot, whether it be on the glorious Mount of Transfiguration or in the sorrowful garden of Gethsemane and Calvary.

The church is called into the same purpose corporately. The church is to be a body of believers that live and serve in holy service. Churches are to be the stations of hope for the world outside and the place of praise and thanks for the believers inside. The church is to be the starting point for the mission of God to the world. The church mission starts the moment the believers leave the building and enter the world outside.

1 John 3:16 tells us that we should walk as Jesus walked. If we want to be close to God and understand His purpose for our lives, we need only follow in Jesus steps. The comforting thing about following in His footsteps is that we know that He has laid the way for us. He does not ask that we should blaze the trail. Just follow His footsteps. The idea involves complete identification with our Lord’s personal innocence, His patient submission, and His uncomplaining meekness. Ready to be the servant and not the one served. We know that as the church we are to be conformed to the image of His Son. The Holy Spirit continues to knock off the rough edges even on our churches. As the church grows it too matures and is transformed into the image of Christ.

Are we willing? Willing to endure anything for the cause of Christ for others? The others being lost souls that don’t know Him as their Lord and Savior. An effective healthy church is one that pours out themselves for the furtherance of the Kingdom. A church that gives nothing, receives nothing.

Excerpt from “God’s Pattern for Revitalization”