We all saw it, at least part of it, for it was right there on the screen for days. The people of Iran were angry about an election result they believed was rigged.
They faced soldiers who wielded deadly weapons. Many were beaten and seriously injured. There were men, women and children, even old men and women. They were willing to stand for a significant cause, the consequence being that many lost their life as a result.
We have seen that in our own nation – people standing for a cause. Many were “causes” for which we may have had little sympathy, causes for which the majority of our population had little or no interest. But they stood, and many, seeing their courage and commitment, began to pay more attention.
The costs in Iran were tragically high. Some lost their lives. Others were severely injured. For some there was a lurking danger that threatened their family and business. Standing for a cause can be a dangerous thing. The only question – is the cause worthy of the risks involved?
Our own nation was established and defended by men and women who were willing to pay the price of freedom. Do the research and see that many faced extreme danger and loss for their efforts for America’s freedom.
Recalling your history, names such as Adams, Madison, Henry, Chase, Pinckney, Franklin, and others come to mind. Evidence exists revealing how much it cost them to fight for freedom. Some lost their businesses, others their family, and many, their own personal freedom.
Patrick Henry was not kidding when his speech stirred a large number of Americans to put their lives on the line for the cause of freedom:
“Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me: Give me liberty, or give me death?”
We have a cause that is worthy to be proclaimed and defended. The issue has never been the quality of the cause. It has always been the quality of those who desire eternal life. Is our “life so dear, or peace so sweet” that it be purchased at the price of becoming a minister of Satan (2 Corinthians 11:15)?
What can committed Christians be doing to further this cause, this “cause of Christ”? Pilate was questioning Jesus prior to His crucifixion. The danger that was before Him was obvious. His very life was at risk. Pilate asked Jesus, “Art thou a king, then?” His response was clear and valid:
“Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth,” John 18:37.
Yes, Jesus has a “cause,” one He had known awaited Him, one for which He was willing to die.
What was that “cause”? It was the eternal destiny of mankind. It was not motivated by money, property, possessions, or power, but by His love and His Father’s love for their creation. As we all consider what He did and how He did it, the light comes on, and we discover that we have something to do. We must stand for the “cause” for which He died. Scripture calls this “cause” a “warfare” in 2 Corinthians 9 – 10, 1 Timothy 1:18. Our weapon is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17.
Note that physical harm or death is not a major issue for one who embraces the “cause” of Christ. It is seldom physically dangerous to be a Christian today. However, many are fearful of entering the battle. Fear? Of what? Ridicule from a friend? A look of disdain from a neighbor? The time may come, but for now such dangers are rare.
Note the following observation:
“For every ten men who are willing to face the guns of an enemy there is only one willing to face the disapproval of his fellows, the censure of his colleagues, or the wrath of his society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet, it is the essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change.”
Would you respond if our nation were in danger? Why not respond to Christ’s cause? Yes, it
is costly, but the benefits – they are out of this world!
