The Hazardous Christian
Acts 15:26: “Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Marketers have called it the World’s Most Successful Ad. It was posted in The London Times in 1905: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages. Bitter cold. Long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in event of success.” Signed E. Shackleton.
He was looking for a crew to help him discover the South Pole. The next morning, over five thousand men were waiting outside the Time’s office ready to go. Something in the ad touched something deep inside each man.
But there is an even more successful ad posted in the Acts of the Apostles, and over the centuries millions have responded to its higher call in an even deeper way.
Paul and Silas were commended as men who hazarded their lives. Contrary to what one may initially think, this does not mean to be reckless or irresponsible. The Greek word means “to give over to another.” In other words, they were men who had handed their lives over to Jesus Christ, so as to bring great honor to His name. And while the underlying thought might seem to be one of self-abandonment, the truth of the matter is that this is the ultimate act of personal responsibility.
Paul said in Romans 12:1 & 2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
In the book of Leviticus God gave instructions on various sacrifices as well as the way it must be done. The animal had to be slaughtered and prepared as a sacrifice or offering. The problem with a living sacrifice is that it was alive. You and me presenting ourselves as living sacrifices means that we can remove ourselves from the altar when we want to. John the Baptist said in Luke 3:16 “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Jesus said in Mark 9:49 & 50 “For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Fire burns that that was placed on the altar.
You and I were put on this earth to make Jesus famous. It is reasonable, rational, and intelligent for us to use our gifts and abilities to honor Him. But that’s not going to happen if we hold on to our own reputations as something to be cherished, treasured and protected. We must hazard our lives as Paul and Silas did. We must stay on the altar.
There is something deep inside every person that is stirred by the daring challenge to live a life of greatness for something other than oneself.
Still not every one hands their lives over. Some settle for the pampered, risk-free environment of a lifeless faith and live out their days making no difference at all.
Start now and from this day onward, sacrifice your life for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be adventurous for Jesus Christ.
“Lord Jesus, I choose today to stay on Your altar as a living sacrifice. Please help me, according to Your word, to be adventurous and to make a difference wherever I am. Please enable me through the Holy Spirit to do that what You require of me. Amen.”