What are you willing to die for? You may have been asked that question before and responded something along the lines of your children, your friends, or maybe – if you’re really bold – even your religion. Yet, have you ever considered what you are actually willing to LIVE for? Donald Miller says, “Dying for something is easy because it is associated with glory… Living for something extends beyond fashion, glory, or recognition. We live for what we believe…”
Last month, my team had the privilege to stay with a wonderful couple who truly live to follow the Lord’s voice. Pastor Mark and his wife Tina are two of the kindest, most hospitable people I have ever met! They had us over their house at least once a week for tea time, went above and beyond to accommodate our needs, and made sure we had plenty of opportunities to experience and enjoy their community and culture. Making sure we “had some good time”, as Pastor Mark would say, was clearly among their top priorities. Over the course of our conversations together, they never failed to mention how extremely grateful THEY were to have US there for support. Pastor Mark was overjoyed at the fruits God was providing through some of the work our team was doing to promote the music school. He kept emphasizing the great job we were doing, specifically because of who we are. People notice when a group of white girls are walking around smiling, waving, having conversations, and handing out flyers within their small community. He shared with us, “When you all go- the whole environment changes… I can’t go and do that.”
Direct evangelism is illegal in Malaysia; if you are born Malaysian, you are born Muslim. Additionally, the main religions of Malaysia are Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist. Christianity is a very minimal percentage of the population. The music school can serve as an incredible bridge towards what Christianity is really about. Many of the people who live in Malaysia- not just Muslims- have a very distorted view of true Christianity. They see us as a people who want to convert, control, and dominate them. Being involved in the community, the way that the music school is, is one way to being them in to meet Christ in a non threatening, yet authentic way.
By the time we were leaving Malaysia, The Lord had brought 8 potential new students for Pastor Mark! The really amazing part is that not only does this school help fund the church and the livelihood of Pastor Mark’s family, it serves as a way to draw individuals in to experience Christ. There were several stories Pastor shared with us about the small steps that are provided through this ministry, including Hindus who have come and have allowed Pastor Mark, and even past WR teams, to pray for them. It is not always glorious, and not everyone falls to their knees to worship the one, true savior- But the important thing is to LIVE in the truth that the potential is always there.
Last month, was just one example of how honoring your gifts and talents and sharing your potential, can bring others to salvation. It is likely our team will never know if any of those new students will accept Jesus into their hearts, but I think what matters is that we remember we must be willing to live for the truth that we all hold the capability to plant the seed that the Holy Spirit can use.
So what do I believe… What am I willing to live for? I am willing to live for relationships that foster love and deeper connections with God. I am willing to live always hungry for more Lord, more Holy Spirit. I am willing to live boldly for Jesus as the center of whatever path I end up walking down.
What are you willing to live for?
