Comfort or the Cross pt. 2 of 3

Autumn and I love watching the "Bourne" movies. Jason Bourne could blend in anywhere. He befriends those he knows can get him where he needs to be and will hurt anyone who stands in his way. It is truly awesome to see a spy do these things on the big screen. Sadly though, it is equally devastating to see this happen in the Church. Last weeks post focused primarily on the call to discipleship. A true disciple chooses the cross over any comfort of this world. Today I would like to examine one of the biggest threats to a good quality disciple, the spy.

Being a Christian is like running a distance race (see Paul's letters). A distance race can be rewarding, exciting, and enjoyable. At the same time the race is long, hard, and grueling. The good news is that the church can provide the support needed to push through the grind the same way a runner's supporters will urge him to go on. Dolefully, there are some in the crowd who are not there to support. Instead, they route Christians down the wrong path or encourage them to give up all together. I will refer to these people as spies.

We see an example of spies in Galatians 2:4. Paul writes, "But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage(NASB)." The churches in Galatia had people spying on them trying to destroy the church and lead followers of The Way astray. We have these false brethren around even today. They are saying things that our "itching ears" want to hear (2 Timothy 4:2). These spies use many tactics to accomplish their mission. In Galatians 2 they were adding burdens to men and taking away the liberties Christians had in Christ. Other false prophets were saying that liberties gave the right to do whatever Christians desired to win people and that grace would abound (Romans 6:1).

Subsequently, today spies appear to support us but can actually cut us off from the finish. These double agents cast a spell of crafty words that mask the realities of God. Even the strongest Christians must be cautious of this espionage. Paul asked the Galatians in the following chapter, "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?" In chapter 5 he states, "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?"

We know the truth of Jesus Christ! Don't follow down the wrong paths. Remain strong! Be alert and awake! Focus your eyes on the Cross. Men and women of faith are there for your example. The life of Christ is the perfect example of how to live. (Hebrews 11-12) Stand up to the spies. Don't let them take down your brothers and sisters. Expose them. Focus on the cross so that you will not stumble.

In the 2004 Olympics there was a runner named Vanderlei de Lima. He was competing for Brazil in the Marathon and was in first place with "only" 4 miles to go. His pace was blistering but his form was smooth as he was gaining strength and speed. When out of no where a drunk protester named the "Grand Prix Priest" jumped out and tackled Lima. It was a devastating blow. After the race an interview with Lima stated, "The attack really surprised me, because I did not think I was his target. He did not injure me, but he broke my rhythm and I lost concentration." Christians have to prepare themselves through devout study and practice of the scriptures to recognize where these men attack and how to withstand through Christ.

Through repentance and the grace of God we can enter the race once again. A conscious decision to finish will put our focus on the cross and make us better aware of what hinders us from getting there. Jesus helps make us aware by saying in Matthew 7:15-16, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits." The fruit of a man's teaching will show where he is leading people. Do not focus on the number of followers but on the followers dedication to Christ and his teachings.

Christ is the good shepherd and he will rescue us and lead us where we need to go. He will pick us up to finish the race. The Savior accomplished this by laying his life down for us on the cross (John 10). Lima, the impeded runner, did not stay down or give up. He rose to his feet and finished the race. When attacked by false brethren it may seem easy after a blow to stay down and let them have their way. Lying down is what is comfortable when you have been injured. But disciples of Christ can rise again through the power of a resurrected savior. Disciples of Christ choose the Cross over their comfort.