333 Words

333 WORDS….

It takes grit to be a disciple of Christ.

Paul was an ardent, enduring, fruit-bearing disciple of Christ who had plenty of grit. If the man lacked grit he would not have been an ardent, enduring, fruit-bearing disciple of Christ; he would be, well, sort of like….

Like us. Like timid, compromising Typical Evangelical.

Does anyone think Paul would fit into our 2000 and something christian society? No way would they let this Christ-centered apostle behind a pulpit. Paul would be considered fringe, rebellious, a loose cannon…. certainly not a team player.

Paul’s lack of political adroitness was adequately exposed when he publicly confronted one of the elites. “When Peter came to Antioch I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed (Galatians, chapter two).” When Peter seriously compromised his commitment to the Lord Jesus, others of inadequate mettle joined him in his hypocrisy, yes, even Paul’s companion Barnabas.

(Surely Peter and his cohorts are ample proof leadership cannot, at least not always, be trusted.)

Can anyone imagine Paul the pew-warmer? Or Paul the tither? Can anyone picture a Reverend Paul? Paul the denominational ambassador bowing to ecclesiastical lords?

It takes grit to be a disciple of Christ.

A disciple of Christ must forego the approval of most. Obedience to the Word always precedes conflict. Those above will be suspicious of the one submitting to the lordship of Christ.

Typical Evangelical calls the man Pastor simply because he fears the man called Pastor. No, his motive is not humility; it is concern of consequences. Success in the church demands certain compromises. Like the teen who must be accepted by peers, the evangelical must be accepted by peers, the approval of the “head of the church” quite secondary.

One gets grit by asking for it. “Ask and you shall receive.” Lord Jesus, Like Peter I am guilty of compromise. I have betrayed Your trust. I repent. Give me the necessary courage to walk in obedience with You, my First Love. Amen.