The Cause Is Worthy Of The Sacrifice – Paul Chappell

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1–2

There are many promises in the Bible for the blessing and provision of those who serve God. There are no promises that the Christian life will be easy, painless, and filled with things we like and enjoy. Very little that is meaningful or of lasting value is accomplished without great cost. Many people fail to do anything of particular value for the Lord’s work because they are not willing to do what it takes when the cost is high. Jesus said, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:27–28).

I read about a missionary who had spent a number of years in Africa who was asked if he liked his work on the field. He responded, “No, My wife and I do not like dirt. We have reasonably refined sensibilities. We do not like crawling into vile huts through goat refuse. But is a man to do nothing for Christ he does not like? God pity him, if not. Liking or disliking has nothing to do with it. We have orders to do, and we go. Love constrains us.” Following the example of Jesus, we must take up the cross and make the sacrifices required to faithfully serve God.