Take Up Your Cross and Follow JesusSample

  

A Better Resurrection 

Paul was looking for a better resurrection. He had fought the good fight. He had finished the race, he had kept the faith and now a crown of righteousness awaited him (II Timothy 4:6-8). 

How does each of us look at life? Are we looking at life with the perspective of losing our lives for the sake of Christ and the gospel? Because it is only then we will save or find life (Matthew 16:25). 

None of us can say that my context does not allow me to share the gospel. The reason why there is no excuse is because in all environments we can bear the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit bearing for a disciple of Jesus is a mandate and not an option (John 15:16). As our lives bear the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, people around us will consume this fruit. There no law against bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

People who taste the fruit of the Spirit borne in our lives as His disciples, will ask us the reason for the hope that is in us (I Peter 3:13-15). This is when we can, with the wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit at that moment, present Christ and the gospel to them. 

Nevertheless, it is necessary to have a mindset of “losing my life for Christ and the gospel”. Esther had this mindset when she said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:11-16). Urijah, the prophet had to die because he prophesied in the name of the Lord, whereas the life of Jeremiah was spared (Jeremiah 26:20-24). Paul did not count his life dear to himself, for he sought to finish his race with joy (Acts 20:24). There were some whose life was safe on earth, while there were others who suffered and died for Christ and the gospel (Hebrews 11:32-35). But all sought a better resurrection (Revelation 12:11).  

Thought to ponder

Friend, what is more important for you - your job, your career, your family or your testimony for Jesus Christ?