We handed her a bible and told her that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. Looking in her eyes I could see tears building up, she understood, she believed. However, in her country she could be persecuted for what she believes, thrown out of the country and abandoned by her family, but still she chooses to be a follower of Christ.
I am currently in Kuala Krai, Malaysia, on month 5 of the World Race and this story I have seen for myself all over the world. Men and women, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu's risking it all and becoming followers of Christ. Pastor Yesudason the man we are currently staying with, told us "When God returns, you will see what looks like a Muslim or a Hindu being raised up and entering the Kingdom of Heaven. I tell you there are many, many believers in Christ here in Malaysia, but they are not allowed to proclaim it here on this earth". So they dress as a Hindu or Muslim but on the inside they are radically following Christ. Their hearts are on fire for the Lord and they are doing everything possible to stay close to him and hear His Word. Last night we traveled to a small Indian Village about an hour away and a once Hindu family gave their lives to Jesus. It was absolutely incredible.
On our drive home it seemed I had a thousand different thoughts running through my head. Why? Why does this family have to risk it all when back in America to be a believer seems so, what's the word…mundane. The people I've met so far on this journey dedicate their whole lives to the Lord. They are so passionate, their lives radically change, why doesn't that happen at home? Baptism's have become like a junior high graduation party. You invite your parents and grandparents, maybe go out for pizza afterwards and then it's over. It's like once you've prayed the prayer of salvation and been baptized you've received a get out of hell free card. You never have to worry about this whole Jesus thing again. But that can't be right, there has to be more to it. Then I thought of the verse in the bible, Matthew 7:21
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven – only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On judgment day man will say to me, Lord, Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. But I will reply I never knew you."
WHAT!? So I can proclaim I am a Christian and do a lot of good things for God but at the end of it all still not be a follower of Christ? That God will say he doesn't even know me? The answer is Yes and sadly that is how a majority of "Christians" live. Did you know that 73% of Americans proclaim to be Christians. What i'm wondering is where are they?
So what does it mean to be a follower of Christ? A person must admit they are a sinner, they must believe that Jesus was sent to die on the cross for their sins, and then there has to be a conversion. A conversion is the "pick up your cross, and come follow me" part in the story that most people miss. Denying yourself daily and living for the Glory of God is a hard life to follow, that's why it's called the "narrow road." But when you do finally choose him you will have eternal life and a relationship with the God of the universe. He promises us life and life abundantly through him and I believe my life is a living testimony to that. I can't imagine life without him. He has filled the emptiness that I once had. Our God is so much bigger than sickness, addictions, idols, persecution. People all over the world are giving up everything to follow him. Are you? I don't want you to miss out.
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