Up to this point in my life, I have had the opportunity to know a great many christians. I came to the realization that a great many of the really energetic, sold out, fired up, fully devoted Christ followers I have had the privilege to meet, have a really tough story. Have you ever noticed that?
I myself, do not have a tough story. I grew up with both parents on a rural Iowa farm. I was raised on mid-western values, baseball and apple pie. I always had a roof over my head, food in my belly and parents who loved and supported me. I’ve had some difficulty, who hasn’t, but I have never been down and out, rock bottom. I’ve never had real tragedy strike, lost everything, battlde addiction, been in serious trouble or anything else I could associate with a “tough story”. I’ve been blessed. In fact, most of the people I know, believers and non-believers alike, probably reside predominantly in the same category as I. After all, we live in the United States of America.
As I think about how I’ve been blessed to live where and how I have, why did it take me so long to come to know Jesus Christ? I’ve been blessed, live a good life, never really had or caused major problems. I’ve tried to live “right”, school, work, taxes, friends, don’t cheat, steal or kill. The step off the cliff into Jesus’ loving embrace should have been the simple, logical choice, right? But it wasn’t, why?
I finally heard His call, chose to follow Him, love Him and trust my life to Him. I’ve been blessed throughout this life, and now into the eternal life and what’s more, I know it! So, being an energetic, sold out, fired up, fully devoted champion for His glory is the simple, logical next step, right? So why is it so hard? Better yet, why is it seemingly so easy for those with the “tough story”, those who have seen the bottom, to blaze like the 4th of July?
Luke 7:47 (NKJV) Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.
The conclusion I have come to is simply, ‘comfort’. I’ve had it really good and there is no sense in disrupting that. My comfort has led to a life of complacency. Those who have had it tough, have a greater understanding of what it is exactly that He has done for them. They may have thought very little of their own life, where as I have thought rather highly of mine. They understand that despite their thoughts on the matter, Jesus cherished them above all else, loved them right where they were and despite everything continued to call them into His loving embrace. Perhaps… when no one else would. Therefore, they will champion, sing, praise, witness and testify in their utmost capacity, the power, grace, love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!! They get it! All the way and they’re all in! Do you? Are you? God Bless you and have a great weekend!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
