May we be the Danger

In America, Christianity is often equated with safety and ease. Many "Christian" teachers actually proclaim that to be a Christian is to be kept safe, secure, and healthy by God. But this is not Christianity. In fact, spread throughout the history of Christianity, including the New Testament, are stories of those who paid the ultimate price for being Christians. Once upon a time, to be a Christian meant that you were in danger.

Why is that? Because once upon a time to be a Christian meant that you were dangerous. Christians throughout history have often posed a threat to the established "principalities, powers, and kingdoms of this present world." Today, on St. Patrick's Day, we honor an Irishman who was a missionary to Ireland more than 1500 years ago. It is reported that Patrick led more than 120,000 druids to Christ and planted more than 300 churches and used the three leaf clover to teach the Trinity. Patrick's evangelism style was to walk right into a druid village and speak to the chieftans. The chieftans knew that what Patrick was teaching would displace them as the leaders of their people, so they saw Patrick as a threat. In fact, Patrick and the Gospel message he was preaching was dangerous to the status quo. Because of this danger the chieftans tried to kill Patrick more than a dozen times, but eventually they were converted and gave Patrick the money to build his first church. Patrick was dangerous and in danger at the same time.

Let us honor Patrick today by being dangerous. Let us count the cost, but be willing to look into the face of danger and share the message of the Gospel for the glory of the King who has called us and sent us.

This video will help to drive the point home. The man speaking is Dr. Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. My prayer is that God will make us all dangerous.