Hebrews 2:14-15
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

If we are to reach out with the saving message of Christ, we must closely identify with those God has put on our hearts. It may not be pretty. The vision is usually given to those who are willing to change and make themselves into whatever is necessary for the rescue of lost souls for God. All earthly comforts are set aside and sacrifices made. Often it is a silent and hidden agenda that is not recognised or regarded by officialdom. The reward is in Christ, as He understands the calling, as it was His also.

The way to winning souls is supremely difficult. Self is denied and all is placed on the altar of love, before the God of love. There is nothing half-hearted. This is the laboured praying for souls at all costs. His way was no different. This is never giving up, even when no one really cares enough to commit to serving alongside.

This is not about getting a position in society to influence others. Nor is it about making a profile for yourself and being noticed by the right kind of people (with money and clout that will pick up your expenses and salary) This is about identifying yourself with the risen Christ, and being willing to do without and deny your nearest and dearest, things they would like, and involving yourself with people who may never understand what you are doing, or your motivation.

There is no career path to getting recognised. There is no lauding or showy blessings. This path is so alone. Yet the opportunity to know the Lord Christ in such a single hearted way, is the greatest privilege we will ever experience in this fallen world. If Christ is not real, His power operational and His Spirit filling every part of your person, you will not survive. If you harbour self, pride and complacency, you will not survive. You may get another place to serve out time quietly, but the closeness of the Holy Spirit will not be the same.

Do you really want to serve God? Do you have the vision and love, or is the selfish pushing of our human need for recognition your motivation?

The road to heaven is paved with suffering, heartache and heart break…
Will you walk it?
The Lord Jesus walked it for you.

“Go, labor on; spend, and be spent;
Thy joy to do the Father’s will;
It is the way the Master went;
Should not the servant tread it still?

Go, labor on: ’tis not for nought;
Thy earthly loss is heav’nly gain;
Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not;
The Master praises, what are men?

Go, labor on; your hands are weak,
Your knees are faint, your souls cast down;
Yet falter not; the prize you seek
Is near, a kingdom and a crown.”

Horatius Bonar