Monday, April 6, 2009

"Fellowship of the Unashamed"

" I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am 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, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, slight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams,chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position,promotions, plaudits, or popularity.

I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience,lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, myroad is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me.

My colors will be clear."

I can't be sure, but I read that the above was written a by an African pastor shortly before he was martyred, or newly ordained. I don't know which. Perhaps it was neither, or perhaps both. I found this and had to post this as I feel I can relate. Enough said.

I like the line, "I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity." There is an aspect of strong faith that must be present in order for us to excercize this. This reminds me of Jesus in the boat with His disciples.

Matthew 8: 23-26

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"


Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.