Are You Willing?

It is absolutely amazing as we look into the life of the apostle Paul. His examination of his Christian endeavors for the honor of his Master and for His cause is a matter which draws our quick attention. For example, he spoke by inspiration to the church at Corinth that they would do well to “be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Cor.11:1). If this was the only place we could find such an admonition it would surely be sufficient. However, consider further the following instructions. He wrote to the church at Thessalonica that he had made himself an “ensample unto you to follow us.” (2 Thess.3:9). He had stated his thankfulness for them following the pattern put before them. “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” (1 Thess.1:6). Then to the brethren at Philippi he gives to them God’s wonderful promise. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil.4:9). Truly this great servant of God had strong convictions. He believed in standing for God, even in the heat of the battle, and when others refused to help. Paul sought truth, and when he was convinced that he was in error, he was humble enough to admit his error and make an immediate change.

Now we must ask, are you willing to follow Paul? Willing to follow his example in the love he had for the lost of this world? His love for the lost is expressed from the depths of his heart by stating he could wish that he were anathema from Christ for the Jewish people. (Rom.9:3). Are you willing to follow such a conviction? Paul labored abundantly through much persecution to spread the Gospel to those lost. If God’s people would be willing to commit themselves to this end, we would fill our church buildings to over-flowing, and would be ever rejoicing to see the lost obey the Gospel of our Lord and Master!

We shall notice the sacrifice and self-denial Paul made in preaching the Good News of Christ. His example of sacrifice in his labor for Christ must be placed before us daily for the encouragement we need to continue in our labors. Christ made the supreme sacrifice, and if we would be willing to make the sacrifice that is called for, the congregations of God’s people through out the land would be on fire with zeal as they take the Gospel everywhere. However, we must get people to first deny themselves or they will never be willing. Are you willing?

. . . . Fred House