How Important Is Your Faith?

How important is worship to the Lord? Would you give your life for it?

I read several stories of martyrs this morning. I read how young men and women gave their lives so that they could bring the gospel. It was that important to them. They did not shy away from publicly stating their faith. They did not deny their Lord or His message they had to deliver. These men and women of faith were given the opportunity to recant and live but they chose to be true and die.

Our faith was not birthed in safety. Our Lord showed us the way with His death. He said we should deny ourselves and follow Him. I would also say that we are to deny ourselves to follow Him.

Our faith was not birthed in popularity. People left our Lord in droves when He began telling them what following Him would cost. He even asked His own disciples if they would leave. Yet, Peter responded correctly by saying that they could find eternal life no where else.

Our faith was not birthed in comfort. The early Christians were forced to meet secretly in homes and caves to worship. They didn't complain about pews that were too hard or air conditioning that was too hot or cold. They did not consider the lack of comfort.

I find that people don't think our faith is important. They do not see us making any sacrifices for our faith. The result is a world that cannot believe the message of a people who have no evidence for their supposed faith.

So, the world turns to Islam. They see the Muslim martyrs. They see the Muslim fasts and the prayers said. They see something that does not live in the world of convenience. They know that this has meaning to Muslims. The world is very interested in this.

How important is your faith?

John 14:6 (ESV)
⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.