"Once upon a time, Christianity was the stuff of legends and Christ's loyalists were spiritual and moral revolutionaries, the kinds of men and women who turned the world upside down. But over time, something has happened to that once fervent and bravehearted band who dared to be called Christians. Many today have inherited a faith that has no real life or power. Instead of zeal there is apathy. Instead of courage there is timidity. And instead of confidence there is paralyzing doubt."
"Something has to change."
~Introduction to The Bravehearted Gospel.
I've just begun to read Eric Ludy's The Bravehearted Gospel, but even though I've only gotten through the first chapter, I've already been impacted by its message. It's not any easy message to hear...I certainly was cringing while reading some phrases from the book. Am I an Amy Carmichael, rescuing young girls from slavery and prostitution in India's temples? No. Am I a Gladys Alyward, leading a group of children out of dangerous China? I don't think so. These were women who risked their lives for Christ and for others. Yet I'm afraid to simply witness to an unsaved friend.
I know that God doesn't wish all of His children to go on dangerous missions to needy countries, but I think there has been a dramatic change in the Christians of today compared to the Christians of the past. It's so easy to fit in with the rest of the world and to have our religion off to the side. I want to change this in myself, but I know it will be uncomfortable to do so. In chapter 2 of The Bravehearted Gospel, Eric Ludy discusses how Job is a man we are all afraid of being. Job lost everything he cared about, and suffered tremendously until he thought he couldn't bear it any longer.
The question is- could any of us face the challenges that Job went through? Would our faith be strong enough? I want mine to be, but I know I have a long way to go. I wish I had a more passionate fervor for God in my everyday life. By God's grace, I know He can do this work in me, but I have to be willing to let Him transform me. I have to be willing to let Him change and mold me into a braver Christian who isn't afraid of what others think. I have to be willing to be more concerned about "the girl inside" rather than "the girl outside". It's a narrow path to walk, but greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
What are some things you struggle with? Do you desire for a closer relationship with Christ that transforms your spiritual life and makes you more fervent for Him?
"The bravest are those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, both the glory and danger alike, and yet nevertheless, go out to meet it."--Thucydides
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