“If our definition of being a Christian is simply to enjoy the privileges of worship, be generous at no expense to ourselves, have a good, easy time surrounded by pleasant friends and by comfortable things, live respectably, and at the same time avoid the world’s great stress of sin and trouble – if this is our definition of Christianity, surely we are a long way from following the steps of Him who trod the way with tears of anguish for a lost humanity.” In His Steps by Charles Sheldon.

This quote rocks my world, as it stirs me to want to step out of the comforts of spiritual mediocrity to embrace pure worship and fruitful ministry amidst the harsh realties of a fallen world. God calls us to a Christianity few seem to reflect - sacrificial, selflessness, where ego has died with Christ.

Where are the men and women in our church community who want to rise above the level of mediocrity and cast off the enticing cloak of comfort? Who wants something more from life than a comfortable seat by a warm fire, with a bowl of chips and a good movie? Isn’t life with Christ meant to mean more than going through the superficial motions of church attendance once a week, surrounded by a close-knit group of friends?

Where are the Spirit-filled men and women burdened for the lost, desperate for opportunities to share Jesus? Sometimes I hear complaints that in light of the gospel seem so hollow; the service was too long, the music too loud, the sermon too long, we stood for too long. Would someone please complain that we are not passionate enough for Christ, not providing enough opportunities for individuals to share the gospel, not seeing enough people converted to Christ, not sacrificing enough for Christ. Someone will dare say I’m being negative and not uplifting but I’m not sure how uplifting it is to say, “we are involved in a terrible war, so get your kit on and move up to the front line and get bloody for the gospel - instead of hiding back there and eating all the best biscuits!”

God’s call is to death - death to self, death to the world. To be fruitful in the kingdom is to face the harsh realities of our calling and to be present at the front-line - it’s where the neediest souls are, and more importantly it’s where Jesus is! It’s not an easy place, even harder to remain for long - you’ll run the risk of being wounded, weariness a constant companion, the stench and grime of others fills your nostrils and you may even be called to lay down your life for someone else. Not too many rewards or applause, plenty of heckling by those comfortably seated a safe distance away, but the glory that goes to God is immeasurable and for no other reason its worth leaving that warm chair by the fire and casting off that heavy cloak of comfort.

God wants warriors not wimps, which is why He has equipped us for war (Ephesians 6:10-20) and not with reclining theatre seats, with cup holders! Come with me and let’s sweat and cry and bleed and maybe die together for God’s glory and the salvation of precious souls.