For almost five months now, we’ve been discussing the aches and pains of the world and what we can do about them. But now that we’re nearing the end, it’s coming down to one thing.
Commitment.
We know there’s a need.
We know we can make a difference in the need.
WILL WE?
In Chapter 23 of The Hole in the Gospel, Rich Stearns gives the example of a terrorist sleeper cell. They are radical and militant, but they are essentially underground until one day when they are called upon to awaken and act.
I’d like to give my own example, if I may. A US Army soldier isn’t born a member of the US Army. They may be raised patriotic, or not. They may be in ROTC when they’re in school, or not. But one day, they decide that they are supposed to join The Army. They go to the recruiter’s office, sign a contract, and head off to Basic Training. And then, they begin to prepare. Weeks and months and even years of hard, rigorous training prepare them to defend their cause and fight for freedom. And then, they get orders to go fight. Now, they have no choice but to be fully alert and act.
Do any of you remember that hymn we used to sing in church? Onward, Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before…
That’s supposed to be us, y’all. For so many of us, we think that it’s enough to sit at home with a Bible in one hand and a Christian flag in the other. But it’s not enough. We’re called to be in His Army. You may be called to be on kitchen patrol or you may be called to be in the infantry, but whatever you’re called to do, it’s time to visit the recruiter, sign the contract, and prepare for war.
Which reminds me of another song that we used to sing in Vacation Bible School. I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery. I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s Army!
This post is part of our regular Wednesday book discussion. If you have written a response for Chapter 23, I welcome you to link it up below. I also encourage you to visit my co-facilitator, Jason, at his site, Connecting to Impact to see what he’s shared on this chapter.
About Sarah Salter
It’s not enough to sit at home. We have to be God’s love throughout our life… telling the story of His love in everything encounter with every action and word.
Yeah, commitment is a good word. We see the need. We know we can help. We just have to commit to keep it in front of us. Thanks Sarah.
I’m here — at last! I have finished the book, so has my beloved husband. I just haven’t had the opportunity to join inthe discussions lately!
I’ve been reading along anyway.. even when you haven’t seen comments.