<<<I read both of your recent posts and wanted to say, and hope Shalom will
understand that my story and the verse I cannot find (believe me, I hunted, but
couldn't find it) were not meant to be negative criticisms pointed specifically at him.<<<
Not at all Mike, but they just don't apply in the hitch hiker situation!
Mike you wrote:
I find that Christians, those who have some means, are highly unlikely to place
themselves at some risk when doing something they know would be of a benefit for
the glorification of Christ.
This is not only untrue but very unfair.
Christians, especially as you say, those who have the means, are some of the greatest workers for the glorifucation of Christ. Those who especially put themselves at danger ever day by going to far off dangerous lands, where most people would not dare to tread. I know of many personally who put their lives on the line daily in disease ravaged and civil unrest countries. There are also thousands upon thousands of Christians with means as you say, who daily go out of their safe havens into the dangerous ghettos of this country, solely for the glorification of Jesus Christ. Some return safely to their safe havens, some do not.
Without these hard working Christians with the means,(BTW, hard at work is the means by which they attain the means) millions of other Christians would not be so blessed to be able to carry the gospel to those who have not.
The bottom line is this: there is no place in the word of God that teaches in order to be a disciple of Christ one must put his life in danger.
You also wrote this:
I have also noticed an odd irony. Why is it that Christians
are just as fearful of death as those who are not
There is no irony here Mike, mainly because it is not a true statement. No disciple of Christ fears death. We realize that we have a more perfect life with Chrtist in heaven. Because tyou see Mike we understand that it is only the flesh that dies Not the spirit that lives within us.
I actually do look forward to being with God in Heaven, but I do not relish dying a premature death at the hands of any crazed lunatic.
And for the same reason, I do all that is within my control to stay healthy in avoiding those things which I know can bring on diseases that some effort to avoid would be in my interest, and in the interest of those who love me and whom I love. Common sense and wisdom!
And for the same reason we Christians teach our children the same things that others do... not to talk to strangers, even though we as Christians, know that when they get to heaven they will be forever in glory.Wouldn't we as Christians be insane if we took that attitude to (well we are not afraid to die..cause we will be with Jesus) to it's extreme, as you suggested?... We are to protect ourselves the same way we are to protect our children...from the hands of would be criminals.! We are not second class citizens without any wisdom. And we are not to make ourselves easy targets for the criminals of this world!
Again you wrote Mike:
Also, with regard to one's
family, if the Christian has been diligent in prayer for his or her family, God will be
faithful and just to answer those prayers and take care of one's family.
God expects us to do our part .! This means taking all steps necessary to always be there for our family. And never putting ourselves in unnecessary danger. Do you think it please God when some lunatic with malice takes the life of one of His Children? Do you think He says "O well, he/she is better off up here with me anyway!"?
Come on Mike, It is really not difficult at all to figure out. Sure there is some fear of death to a young vibrant Christian, and that is healthy anything else is out of human character. It is only when we are on death's doorstep that the peace that surpasses all peace fills us, and this can be in the young and old. This is the peace that is given to us by our Lord Jesus the Christ.
Consider all the martyrs of Christianity that were (and still are) being tortured and suffered horrendous deaths, and then tell me you still think it is strange that Christians fear death.
Have a good day Mike
Shalom...><>
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