Passion for the cause

In the dictionary one of the definitions for the word passion is the suffering of

Jesus Christ.

The early Christians lost their lives for the sake of the cause.

Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna and one of the heroes of the early church.

He was the student of the Apostle John and was taught by the Apostles.

He was martyred for his faith in Christ. When he was led before the Roman proconsul who pleaded with him to renounce Christ  Polycarp replied;

Eighty six years I have served him, he never did me any injury. How then could I blaspheme my King who has saved me?

This is the prayer of Polycarp as he was led to his death;

I give You thanks that You have counted me, worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Your martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Ghost.

In recent times others have shown greater passion for their cause than Christians

Greenpeace is one group that has taken our place

Recently colliding with a huge whaling boat to try and stop the Japanese whalers.

They lost a 2 million dollar boat the Ady Gil but they said it was price they were willing to pay

Greenpeace said “The loss of the Ady Gil, that cost us about 2 million dollars, but that’s not worth as much to us as the whales are – we’re quite willing to take those risks – we’re not giving up!”

Muslims pray 5 times a day – they are willing and prepared to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their cause – and they are demonstrating that on a regular basis

It’s time for us to get a fresh passion for our cause!

We need to hear the voice of Christ calling us to join his cause and make a stand in our lives.

We should remember the lives of those who went before us making a stand for the cause of Christ.

William Booth  another hero of the faith said;

“Your days at the most cannot be very long, so use them to the best of your ability for the glory of God and the benefit of your generation.”

It’s time to get passionate for our cause!