Radical, Chapter 8: Living When Dying Is Gain

Women generally like to be likable.  Overall, we invest a fair amount of time appealing to others on physical (hair, makeup, clothes), emotional (upbeat, encouraging, positive), and intellectual (entertaining, witty, informed) levels.

Women generally also like to feel safe.  We prefer situations in which we are financially and relationally secure.

In light of these two pursuits, passages like the following rarely become themes for women's conferences.

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (II Timothy 3:12)

Not exactly a top contender for next year's theme verse, right? 

But as Christians, we believe all Scripture is breathed by God (in fact, the passage above ends with the same admonition) -- for our good.  The truth does not become less real or less true if we ignore it.  As Paul's words above promise, those who live godly lives will be persecuted.  We can invert this logical statement to conclude that if we live our lives entirely free of persecution (from birth to death) we have not lived godly lives.  

Think about that for a minute. The ramifications are enormous.  

Ask yourself, "Have I ever been persecuted for my faith?"  If the answer is no, perhaps it is because I have spent too much time pursuing the approval of others and my own security rather than the Kingdom of God. 

Platt writes, "To everyone wanting a safe, untroubled, comfortable life free from danger, stay away from Jesus.  The danger in our lives will always increase in proportion to the depth of our relationship with Christ.  Maybe this is why we sit back and settle for a casual relationship with Christ and routine religion in the church."

These are heavy words.  I will leave you with only one question:
Do you want a safe, untroubled, comfortable life?