02.05.21—Christian Soldiers!--John 17:15-26
My friend, may I ask you a question? How often do we really value things that we get freely? It’s things that we have to sacrifice for that usually occupy a place of value in our lives. Right?
My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I’m M. Clifford Brunner
I’m a firm believer in “cost-value” relationships. That’s the principle that unless you fix a cost to something that is worthwhile, no one will see the value. Giving away something free is appropriate at times. But, how often do we really value things that we get freely? It’s things that we have to sacrifice for that usually occupy a place of value in our lives.
As that most surely applies to our material possessions, does the principle also apply to things spiritual? The reformer, Martin Luther, wrote: “A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.” Perhaps a religion that is too easy, is a religion that has little value.
Here’s a story: Clarence Jordan, author of the “Cotton Patch” New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister’s church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decorations throughout the nave. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. “That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars,” the minister said smiling. “You got cheated,” said Jordan. “Times were when Christians could get them for free.”(Michael Jinkins)
What are many of our churches worth today? If we go by the size and comfort of the buildings themselves, it would seem that the cost-value relationship is strong. But, is the religion inside those structures truly one that is sacrificing, costing much, even suffering? Or, are the churches full of peaceful Christians, worshipping in comfort and totally cut off from sacrifice and suffering? What IS our religion worth today? Focusing on buildings while the poor go hungry, innocents are killed in abortion mills and God’s Word is tossed out of the public forum, is certainly not the cost-value relationship that God is looking for in His Church. Jesus once prayed that God would sanctify His people, make them holy and worthy of the fight that was to come. He wasn’t praying that we find comfort in a pew. He was praying that we might find our worth as Christians in the fight that is surely upon us. The cost may be our lives. The value is our souls.
We pray. Heavenly Father. Focusing on buildings while the poor go hungry, innocents are killed in abortion mills and God’s Word is tossed out of the public forum, is certainly not the cost-value relationship that God is looking for in His Church. Dear Lord forgive us if that is where our focus is and has been as we build the Kingdom through Your Church. Lord, sanctify us, make us holy and worthy of the fight that is to come. Just as Jesus prayed for us. He wasn’t praying that we find comfort in a pew. He was praying that we might find our worth as Christians in the fight that is surely upon us. The cost may be our lives. The value is our souls. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
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<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.