Jesus Freaks

I'm reading through the DC Talk book, "Jesus Freaks". Wow. Two major observations...

1) If any religious group is specified as being responsible for the torture and/or death of Christians, it's muslims. I haven't finished the book yet, but I have yet to read about a new ager or a Catholic or a Buddhist or a wiccan torturing and killing a Christian. Many stories do not specify a religious affiliation, so I'm not saying it's all about muslims killing Christians, but it's predominant.

Didya hear Minnesota voted a muslim into office?

2) While I do not wish to be tortured and burned alive, reading these stories does make me wish my life were lived this on fire (no pun intended) for the Lord. Because we are not much persecuted for Christian faith in America (yet!), we don't have to make a true life or death decision to follow Christ. We can be comfy in our Christianity, but that's not what God wants.

I almost wish (be careful what you wish for) a life that was so extreme it forced me to my knees in prayer, forced me to rely upon the Lord for my very existence, and made me cherish the Bible as I should.

Given the option, would I rather live a short life spreading the Gospel and die a torturous death while praising Jesus or live a comfy life to a ripe old age? Comfy doesn't sound all that appealing, truth be told. I'd rather be a Jesus Freak martyr than the star of "Comfy Christians."

It's easy to think that this life is all we have, or that this is the main attraction. We tend to think a life cut short is a tragedy. In the scheme of things, all our lives are short. What's 20 years or 80 years compared to eternity? Both are a blink of the eye.

Therefore, the goal should not be to live a long life, but to live a God-centric, God-focused, Jesus Freak life.

Lord, while I don't want to pray for a martyr's death, I do want to live the life You want for me. And if that should involve a martyr's death, may You be praised until and with my last breath. Whatever Your plan for my life, use me. I give my life to the Potter's hands. Open my eyes that I may see the plan You have for me...