A young African preacher

"I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set; my gait is fast; my goal is heaven; my road is narrow; my way is rough; my companions are few; my Guide reliable; my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me — my banner will be clear."

The words of this young man should stir the souls of faithful Christians. When you look in the mirror do you see the spirit of this young Christian living in you or do you see something different? George Barna gathers data on various religious subjects and matters. A few years ago he made the observation that there was no longer a distinct difference between the Christian and the worldly. The present climate religiously is to show tolerance for anything and everything and to focus upon pleasing those we are trying to reach instead of pleasing God. Thus, many have lost their distinctiveness as disciples of Christ. I am reminded of the words of Jesus to the Christians at Ephesus, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works..." (Revelation 2:4,5).

Be Not Weary In Well Doing.