Many times, in life, I have asked myself this question, on the quest of life, why would you be willing to die for what you believe in? With tens of thousands of people who purpose themselves to serve others, in their life, with thousands giving their lives up in a chosen pursuit, “Why would they do it?”
Well, let me say this--most of their intentions are not to die for others. They do not intentionally walk into dangerous situations with the idea of, “Here I am, kill me. I want to be a martyr.” However, most do enter those places knowing it could happen.
With evangelistic works across the world today, sooner or later, it is going to happen.
As Paul of the Bible wrote to Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:16, he gave him the praise for not being ashamed of his chains. Look at the picture. Paul literally was in chains in prison. With Paul being a chosen vessel for the religious sect to pursue and destroy the Christians, this took on a very different picture. He went to capture and put in chains those who stood for Christ, but found on the road to Damascus, Christ Himself. Here, Paul found instead of notoriety, he was to suffer for a totally opposite cause.
Paul said, “I knew I was going to suffer persecution as such that I placed upon those I pursued. I knew that probably the rest of my life, bondage, imprisonment and with no existence to the outside world, would become my life’s path, but I choose this. But you, Onesiphorus, were not ashamed of my chains.”
To some, this seems extreme since we have but one earthly life to give. Why would we choose to use it in this manner and for such a cause? Is our life worth giving up for others?
As my brother said to me when he faced some of the worst heats of battle in Vietnam, “All I saw was my fellowman in danger. What I saw was the salvation of their lives being tested, and I had no choice but to help.”
With medal after medal he received for his stance against the enemy, it was all for his fellow man and freedom. It did not matter your earthly belief in God, or what color your skin, only that you needed deliverance. This is why Paul wore his chains.
As we look at this scenario of belief, we must now turn to the men and women, who in the United States today, face some of the same situations. From the street policeman and firefighters, or your everyday person who happens to be passing by, you will find there are those who are willing to give up their life for others.
We watch the news and see those who die while entering other worlds of danger. We watch the policemen jumping into danger to save those from crimes. And firefighters entering burning buildings to pull those in danger to safety.
Here we have the story of Paul, the one who gave his entire purpose in life to create the God-fearing church world today--the seven churches of Asia.
As I turn to another look at those who give to save others, I cannot leave out some of the most important ones. Those are the ones, too, which have been enlightened by the actions of Paul. Here we have the One who led mankind into spiritual salvation. To be saved from a death no one should face--the death of our souls. Without those who are earthly replicas of Paul, the doctrine of Jesus Christ would stay in a book on a shelf. That book would never be removed from that shelf, opened and read.
Those laymen, whether pastors, teachers, prophets, disciples or everyday God-fearing souls who tread the earth, must not be neglected. Here we see the book open, the Words read and given to those who will listen. Here we have the attempt to save those headed towards eternal destruction.
I find it pleasing to hear of people being saved from the dangers of this world, but I find it more pleasing to hear of one being saved from evil’s grasp. On earth, we can live this one full life, but with limitation in how many years. In the world beyond this life, we can live it with no limitations of years.
So, to those of this world, give your all for your fellowman and womankind, because what we help save them from will affect our eternal life.
(Editor’s note: This is Ron’s second guest column for the Journal-Record. He has been married to his wife, Gloria, for 53 years. The couple live in Hamilton in the Restoration Community Church parsonage near Marion County Lake. In his retirement, Ron has found enjoyment in farming, pastoring and doing theological writings on the Bible
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