“obeDIEnce”

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

One of the most inspiring conversations I’ve ever had was with a Vietnamese pastor. This experienced leader shared several nuggets which revealed insights into his ability to boldly follow Christ for many years in an incredibly restricted context.

As we talked after dinner, I asked him how we can learn to stand strong for God. He quickly pointed to his watch, and said: “If this watch is on my arm, I have to take care of it and protect it.”

Picture him beginning to unlatch his watch, and then continuing: “But if I give it to you, then you have to take care of it and protect it.”

With a smile, he concluded: “If we give our lives to God we don’t have to worry about it. He is the One who will take care of us.”

Take a minute to reread his statement and let that concept settle in…

It’s a profound insight.

If I am willing to give my life to God, then I can serve Him, and others, in absolute freedom. I can release my ambitions, my comfort, my desires…MY everything!

Paul reminded that Galatians that obedience involves death to self. I have seen obedience spelled with an emphasis on the critically important, three-letter word that it contains:  “obeDIEnce.”

Are we willing to “die” to ourselves, so that we can “live” for Jesus? That is the path to true life that produces fruit which will outlast our temporal lives! As Jesus said in John 12:24: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”

How can we get involved in this type of “fruit” production? What kind of difference can we make from our homes? My brother from Vietnam has an encouraging response for us all.  He says, “When you pray in America, you are working in Vietnam.”

Learn more about life as a Christian in Vietnam, and watch a 2:40 trailer to see how a group of teenager’s lives were radically changed by their visit: “Underground Reality: Vietnam”

Dr. Jason Peters serves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. He lived overseas for five years and has ministered in 35 countries as diverse as Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Iraq, Nigeria, and Indonesia. He and his wife, Kimberly, along with their five children, count it a great honor to serve with the persecuted church.