Run with Perseverance

So Mark and I were talking a little while ago about the sad state of the world we live in, and our place as Christians in it. How so many people walk through the streets of immorality every day but choose to ignore it rather than take a stand against it. They act as though it's no big deal---pretending it's not there. "As long as I'm not doing it, it's okay."

But the truth is, sin is like a dust.

Every day, we walk through it and every day this dust--this filth rises from the streets and clings to us. And sooner or later, it will begin clouding our vision. We'll stop distinguishing immoral behavior as sin and see it as "the norm". We won't be as affected by the dark consequences of sin because we see it and experience it every day. And if we aren't careful, the intense fire we should be carrying bearing the love and example of Christ will shrink to a wavering flicker. That's exactly what's been happening in our society.

In Mark's words, "People have become numb."

People have become numb and desensitized to immoral, worldly behavior. Chastity, modesty, and respect for human dignity have become optional. Instead of setting their standards to those of Christ's, people now stretch their standards in order to "fit in" with society.

If we take a step back and look at how worldly standards have affected our own, we see that there is a great need for call to action. We can no longer trudge through life and pretend the filth of sin doesn't cloud our judgement. We can no longer remain idle in a world that desperately needs a good example.

We need to step outside our comfort zone and take a stand.

How many of you have gone to March for Life, wearing your pro-life t-shirts proudly in a group of tens of thousands? How many of you attend Praise and Worship sessions and Bible studies at your church? How many of you choose a modest outfit to wear to Youth Group activities?

Now, how many of you wear your pro-life shirts when hanging out with your "secular" friends, or by yourself to a bar or restaurant where you know you'll be judged? How many of you take what you learn from those Bible studies and go out and "make disciples of all men"? How many of you choose to wear longer shorts, a higher top, or a swimsuit which offers more covering when "everyone else" isn't? How many of you decide that your Christian values do not change dependent upon the crowd that you're with?

Yes, it's great to be involved in church activities and have a solid church family. But that's just the foundation. Now we need to build upon that and be living, active witnesses in the world. We're called to live in the world but not of the world. Don't compromise our principles to fit "the norm" of a sinful society. Act to change "the norm" of society to imitate Christ. And in doing so, reignite that flame and be a witness. Set yourself on fire with passion for Christ.


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."
Hebrews 12:1-3