Our Inspiration

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Philippians 1:29-30

It is encouraging to read stories of Christians who  trusted God despite oppression, persecution, or even the call to martyrdom. Reading the story of Polycarp, Perpetua, Martin Luther, Jim Eliot, Corrie ten Boom and so many others inspire Christians everywhere. But what is the inspiration?
Is it their apparent strength where we suspect weakness in ourselves? Is it their heart conviction when we have hearts that are quick to capitulate? Is it their vision of God’s kingdom when we distract ourselves pursuing the American Dream?
Paul is not encouraging the Philippians to focus on their strong faith or their pain tolerance in suffering as he suffers. Instead he urges them to proclaim and live out the gospel, believe, and even suffer willingly for Christ. The focus is Jesus. The goal is witness. The hope is union with Christ and all believers.
We should honor and learn from those who have gone before us, from Paul to those suffering in Chinese prisons for continuing to preach the gospel, but the way to prepare ourselves to have this kind of faith is to focus on Jesus.
Know him! Learn more of him. Honor and praise him. Delight in what he has done! As we know our Savior, we will be eager to believe and prepared to do whatever he asks, even to the point of being like him, suffering unjustly so that people will see love that defeats death.

Our God and Father,
We thank you for Jesus’ work on our behalf and the call to be like him. In our first world existence it is so easy for us to give our souls to a banquet of affections that do not satisfy. We, who are in faith, desperately need you to call us back to you as we renew our desire for Jesus above all. Fill us with your Spirit, enrich us with your word, and guide us in all wisdom to follow you wherever you lead for the sake of Christ. Amen