Would You?

It is an unpopular message to reflect on, but it is a necessary examination of our hearts and consciences. The question is, would you? Would you do it if no one ever saw your good works? Would you do it if no one ever recognized you or acknowledged you? Would you share the gospel if you never saw a platform? Would you do it if you felt the stings of others mocking you? Would you say Jesus is my Lord and Savior if it meant you would undergo isolation and persecution? Would you worship His name if you never heard a symphony of instruments again? Would you trust Him if you lost all those you loved? Would you forgive those who talked poorly about you behind your back? Would you honor Him if you did not have a penny to your name or a bed to rest in? Would you call Him the great physician if you had a barren womb? Would you call Him the lover of your soul if you did not have a spouse to cling to in the dead of the night? Would you say He is good, faithful, and true if those sitting in your church pews humiliated you, turned their back on you, and left you to fend for yourself? Would you consistently, with resolute steadfast devotion and love for Christ, write the reflection and post the message of Christ’s peace, love, and mercy if no one reads it, likes it, or loves it? Would you chase after God if you never felt His power and presence or ever saw a miracle, sign, or wonder? Would you be willing to do the thankless and mundane and serve in a place you were dishonored?

Would you pray for and do for others who would never showcase reciprocity? Would you freely give love and listen to the lost and broken, knowing they would never see you as anything more than a container for their pain? Would you be the hands and feet of Christ even if your own physical and emotional pain was left unattended? Would your love for Him be unwavering, tried, and true in prayer and petition for the salvation of yourself and others? Would you continue to seek His face should you be blind or continue to listen for His voice lest you go deaf? Would you believe in Him and trust Him if you could not see the road ahead? Would you praise Him in the pit, not just in the palace? Would you love others regardless of who they are or what they have done or said against you? Would you stay fixed on God if they all leave? Would you stand as a pillar for the faith- should you be the last one standing?  Would you stand and speak life should they speak words of death and division? Would you believe in the kindness of God if you never experienced it from man again?

Would you be His if it meant your lifestyle would radically change, and you no longer could be of this world? Would you be willing to let go of it all, never seeing a reward or comfort on this side of the earth?  

Although the path is narrow and many are called, few are chosen. This means all are given an invitation, but few choose it. It is with all my heart, and all my soul, and all my life I pray we all fully surrender to God. To God be all the glory, honor, and praise. No longer by our flesh, but by His blood, we lay our lives at His feet. Fully and completely transformed in Him, through Him, and by Him. Intently focused on His gaze all the days of our lives.

It is an unpopular message to reflect on, but it is necessary to examine our hearts. Instead of seeing all we lose or lack, we should continue to choose to walk with God. I hear the Father calling us to sing the prayer of peace.

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there is hatred, let me bring your love

Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord

And where there is doubt, true faith in You

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there is despair in life, let me bring hope

Where there is darkness, only light

And where there's sadness, ever joy

Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console

To be understood as to understand

To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

It is in giving to all men that we receive

And in dying that, we are born to eternal life

Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console

To be understood as to understand

To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace

Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope

Where there is darkness, only light

And where there's sadness ever joy.

Amen.