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When I read the statement above it seems so
obvious to me, so plain, simple, straightforward, and true. However, if that is
indeed the case, why are we so hesitant? It seems that we should be more bold
in our witness. Have we not been entrusted with the words that lead to eternal
life? Have we stopped believing that, regardless of the question, when it comes
to life’s difficult issues the answer is still, somehow, bound up in the person
and work of Jesus Christ?
Yes, we may be rejected
a hundred times for every one person who comes to know Christ in a whole and
real way. Is that one “Yes” not worth the 99 “No’s”? Is our intact pride to be
valued above another person’s soul? Are we that fragile that our Savior cannot
restore our shattered self-esteem when we feel the rejection on a personal
level?
There is a phrase,
popular in some sections of Christianity these days. It is “living into our
baptism.” When we were baptized, we made certain promises, or there were
promises made for us. If we were baptized as an infant, we went through a
confirmation class to join a local congregation. The purpose of this class is
to allow us to confirm on our own behalf those promises originally made for us
as a child.
The questions asked when
a person joins the church include at least one question about involvement in
the church and the desire to lead a life in obedience to Christ. How many of us
have seriously thought about what full obedience to Jesus Christ actually
means? In one sentence, it means recognizing that we are not our own boss
anymore. We bend our will to the will of Jesus Christ. If ever we find the
Scripture commanding one thing and our desires wanting something else, we set
aside our desires and submit to the guidance of Scripture. It’s time to live
like the Gospel is true!
Pastor Craig
[1] Luther,
Martin (2006-02-01). Selections from the Table Talk of Martin Luther (p. 67).
Public Domain Books. Kindle Edition.
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