Sunday, February 28, 2010

May We Risk Much for the Gospel

At our men's retreat this weekend, a question arose about whether or not we should pull over and help everyone we see stopped on the side of the road. What triggered this conversation was that one of our men intentionally drives in the right lane so that he can stop and help others in need. I was deeply encouraged by his intentional plan to be on mission as he leaves his house. This is a far cry from many of us who just think about how quickly we can get to where we are going. May we all order our lives to be this intentional for the sake of the Gospel.
In response to whether or not we should pull over every time we see someone stopped on the side of the road, I say: Let us risk much for the Gospel. Here are my two reasons: 1). If death is gain for those in Christ, then I am not afraid of losing my life (in fact I've already lost it!) 2.) If God is our greatest treasure, then I am not afraid of losing anything else (including all material possessions and even our families). So if we are not afraid of death or of losing our cars, then we are free to risk much for the sake of the Gospel. Oh, that I might live this way and pastor a church that does so as well. Only by Your mercies that are new each day dear Father will we be able to do this. Thanks for satisfying us with your steadfast love and for giving us your inexpressible and glorious joy.