No Greater Cause

If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:20–21, NIV 1984).

My Musings – “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. I feel sure that our cause will not be suffered to fail among men. At this time, I feel entitled to claim the aid of all, and I say, come then, let us go forward together with our united strength.” (Winston Churchill, May 13, 1940).

“For the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” (U.S. Declaration of Independence).

Great causes, more often than not, demand great cost. The greatness of the cause is measured by the number of those willing to pay the cost, with many of their names not merely listed at the end of a finely worded speech or document but etched on granite and marble stones.

To this we are called by God. The cost was great, the death of His Son bearing the sins of many. But it serves as an example for us to be willing to follow, for the cause of the Gospel. Our names may not be etched in marble as a result, but they are “engraved” on the palms of his hands. They are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

My Advice – “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge–and more.” (President John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961). His speech inspired “a new generation of Americans.” Christ’s sacrifice for us should do no less.

But will we be willing to “pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the” spread of the Gospel? The price, burden, hardship and foes may soon be greater than we could have ever imagined. The friends willing to support us few. Will we be willing to “follow in His steps?” There is no greater cause.

“Come then, let us go forward together with our united strength, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence. This much we pledge–and more”