“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20. This verse is Peter and John talking to the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees. They had just spent the night and jail, and now these people are trying to shut John and Peter up. John and Peter then asked the people there, is it better for us to listen to you or to God?
Listening to God, and what he asks of your life, is the best thing you could ever do. Yes you will make sacrifices and face persecution, but if Jesus is who we say he is, he is worth it. Jesus is worth everything you could ever give him. Every sacrifice, every dollar spent, every awkward conversation, everything. We will never know exactly how much we give, but one day, in heavan we’ll realize just how much God has in store for us as a reward for our obedience.
One aspect of this kind of mindset, that can be a little scary, is the persecution you will face. If you’re living the life right you will face persecution. Persecution comes from sharing the gospel, so to avoid persecution, just stop sharing your faith and let the devil win. Evangelism is arguably one of the most important things a Christian can do. We are called over and over again to share our testimonies, or are shown their power. And testimonies don’t have to be your life story, they can be just a simple little answered prayer.
Living your life for Jesus, requires sacrifices. It requires you to face persecution. It requires you to trust God so much. It is a very disciplined, hard path to walk. But it’s so worth it! And the reward is so great!
Everytime I think about it, everytime I think about just how awesome my God is, I want to run around screaming the gospel from the rooftops.
Remember your neighbors, and maybe see if God’s calling you to them. Because Jesus, in the Great Commission, calls everyone to go and share the gospel. The only differences between calls, is where He wants you to go. For some, he’s calling you across the street to invite your neighbor into your house. For others he might be calling you to the 10/40 window to work as a sheep among wolves, committed to the lost among unreached people groups. Take time and listen. Where does God want you? Across the street? Across the world? Listen and go!
I was just reading about the call to go. You’re right, across the street or around the world. I’m excited to see you excited, it is contagious!