The life of Jesus of Nazareth has attracted the attention of both atheist and theist. For centuries individuals have arisen that provided the people of their times with some religious hope. Many of these individuals, to their own dismay, were elevated to a position of reverence that belongs only to God. Multitudes have put their faith, hope and trust in the teachings of these individuals.
We all, though wrong they are, make decisions contrary to our well being. Every day, we are called upon to make decisions. Some of those decisions are mundane and inconsequential. Others have the potential of both physical and spiritual ruin. There is no greater decision a person will be called upon to make that supersedes the one they make regarding their spiritual well being. Religious decisions are difficult because they require great determination. The apostle Paul said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2).
Paul’s statement, as he revealed Gods will concerning obedience, says that it requires becoming a sacrifice: a sacrifice that presents the body in a holy and acceptable service. The term "sacrifice" is defined as a "victim" (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). Merriam Webster defines sacrifice as "an act of offering to a deity something precious;especially: the killing of a victim on an altar." Paul was well aware of the requirements of obedience. He stated, concerning his life, "for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die" (Acts 21:13). And ultimately paid the price, as he wrote, "For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-7). The term, "being offered" is defined as, "to pour out as a libation, that is, (figuratively) to devote(one’s life or blood, as a sacrifice)" (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Definitions), or "fig. used of one whose blood is poured out in a violent death for the cause of God" (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). Paul offered himself in the figurative as well as literal sense, of the word.
Making the right decision about one’s spiritual well being requires courage. Throughout the scriptures, individuals have been called upon to put their lives on the line for their faith: "And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens. Women received their dead by a resurrection: and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise, God having provided some better thing concerning us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:32-40).
As a Christian, an individual must be willing to do the same today. Jesus said, "And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). Exercising courage is of such great importance that God said, "But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). Listed among those who commit the most hideous crimes is the fearful.
When considering one’s condition before God, one must decide to exercise courage and "obey God, rather than men" (Acts 5:29) and "press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).
What decision have you made in regard to your spiritual service?
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