Genuine discipleship

I have long had a nagging suspicion that Jesus calls us to be far more radical in our discipleship than we actually are. And in recent weeks this suspicion has been confirmed.

For example, in 1 Peter, we read that we're called to radical submission - even when we're treated unfairly - 'For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.'

And in my quiet time this morning, I read Philippians 1:12-30 where Paul speaks of his imprisonment and how this has resulted in the advance of the gospel, so he rejoices.  

Paul rejoices in house arrest. I moan that I don't have Sky Sports!

Paul's concern is that Christ is honoured whether by life or death. I moan that we didn't have any hot water this morning.

Paul longs to leave this life of struggle and be with the Lord, but he is happy to struggle on for the sake of the Philippians' faith. 

Then, to cap it all, he says to the Philippians, 'It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.' (1:29f). 

It is a pirivilege to suffer for Christ - it's what he called us to do.  And yet we're so unwilling to suffer for him. Unwilling to stand up for the gospel. Unwilling to give time when we'd rather be plonked in front of some ungodly trash on tv. Unwilling to give financially because we'd rather spend it on our comfort and on instant gratification. Unwilling to work hard for the gosple because we're... let's face it... lazy and ungrateful.

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

By his wounds you have been healed.