Have you noticed all the EXTREME reality shows
on television? It seems the new drug of choice is Adrenalin. Folks seek
out the feeling of having their hearts pound practically out of their
chest, feeling blood rush to their brains, and gasping for breath. I've
never been much of a risk taker, but even I can understand the
underlying quest for excitement and the head rush that accompanies it.
Interestingly enough, this is not a new phenomenon. It's a part of our
human nature. The only thing that has changed is that there is a whole
new variety of ways to pursue that Adrenalin rush.
Young people in particular seem to have a penchant
for the extreme and one of the most extreme things that anyone
can do is to live for Christ. I think of Christians in other parts of our world who are suffering persecution and
even death in their attempt to live godly lives. I can't imagine that
bungee jumping or hang-gliding could begin to provide the Arednalin rush
caused by being chased by machine-gun- or machete-wielding
Christophobes. We hear news reports virtually every day about persecution, beheadings, arrests of pastors, and the destruction of churches all over the world. We have no idea how very good we have it here in America, but in
other parts of the world, living a life that is consistent with the
teachings of Christ can and often does cost individuals their freedom and sometimes their lives.
I
challenge all believers to consider pursuing the most
extreme activity I can imagine--standing up for your faith 24/7. It's
easy to be a good Christian at church, or when you're around your
Christian friends, but what about when you're in school or at the mall
or on the job? Despite the fact that we here in America are blessed
with religious freedom, living for Jesus is NOT without consequences.
Ask someone who's done it consistently. They will likely tell you that
it's cost them friends and sometimes family. There will always be 'the
devil's crowd' who will be more than happy to heap insults on you when
you espouse your beliefs or take a stand for what's right. Jesus warned
us that we would be "persecuted for righteousness' sake." He also
reminded us, however, that we will be blessed in proportion to how much
we endure such persecution. (Matthew 5:10-12)
If
you're one who loves to live on the edge and who craves Adrenalin
highs, let me challenge you to the ULTIMATE
EXTREME! Try living for Jesus Christ just for one full day, in front of
your family, your friends, and even strangers. Better yet, try it when
NO ONE is around! That's the true test of godliness and Christian
character. It's how you act when no one but God is watching!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
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