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I’ve thought about it many times. I always think back to the scripture that says those who want to save their lives will lose it and those who give up their lives will find it Matthew 16:25. While this scripture is in a context of living our lives for Christ, i have the same understanding that if I would not willing to give my life up in the name of Christ, then I don’t think id be found worthy of going to heaven. These lives that we have is because of God, so I should be willing to sacrifice it at any point for his name. Of course I know it might be easier said than done but if I’m ever in a situation where I have a gun to my head and have to choose between God and my life, I pray I have the boldness to still choose God because I know it would please him to do so.
It would be worth reading the story of Daniel as well! I thought because to this scripture: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.””
Daniel 3:17-18 NIV
I would hope than in such situations God would save me just as Daniel said but still gave the boldness to declare that EVEN IF God doesn’t save me in the situation, I would not chose the world, my life, or anything else over God!
But it’s great that you’re reflecting and thinking about this situation with yourself. The bible encourages us to reflect and evaluate ourselves. If anything, pray that the Lord will increase your faith and boldness in Him so that the Lord will help you to get to a point where your love for Him is THAT DEEP that you would gladly give up your life for Him!
I would say we all wax and wane over time. Some of that is developed countries make you soft. You’re not having to pick values and live it…. You can claim Christianity and get away with a lot here.
In environments where you could be killed, I think there would be a winnowing… fewer but stronger and more representative Christians.
I encourage you to ask what you would die for, and ask yourself if that’s more important than christ. And if you say Christ, then make life changes that force you to act the part till you develop the fortitude.
The issue is being lukewarm. You’re better off all in or all out; pretending to care will just allow you to live uncommitted and you loose both spiritually and in this short life. Live for now or live for him, but be intentional about living SOMEHOW
Good question. I guess in theory I have wondered from the lenses of Peter denying Christ. Would I have done that?
For me, I’m more concerned about living for Christ. When it’s our time to die physically it’s on time. We will be judged by our life.
The question is what are you (we) doing to build the Kingdom here on earth.
If we (individually and collectively) we’re reflecting Christs work, there would be more persecution. It’s inevitable.
It’s already happening, if you speak the gospel people have no problem telling you that your offending them and they begin to threaten you.
The first place you can be martryed figuratively is during family gatherings. There are plenty of opportunities to confront family members who either outright commit blasphemy or are completely ignorant. Stephen didn't mince words as the jews were about to stone him. That doesn't mean we don't utilize the grace of prudence, but there is a large gap we have to close to bring people to salvation.
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it."