The Call
Elias Regier
I watched a video on youtube (link to watch it below) recently made by Christians currently living in the Middle East. The video was difficult to watch. It gives a good perspective on the persecuted church out there and the daily challenges and struggles that Christians must prepare for and face while living in conflict zones.
Being a Canadian citizen and growing up in the west, persecution of religious belief is seemingly non-relatable. Even the word persecution at first, to me seemed foreign. I have never experienced any level of subjugation or injustice (in the traditional sense) concerning my spiritual belief, consequently at a young age I felt little urgency to develop foundational principles rooted in something greater than myself. But, as I've come to know Christ and to discover the importance and significance of the gospel, I find that humanity desperately needs revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God who was and is the propitiation of our sins.
Seeing the injustice and brutality of the world we live in today I am challenged to take a stern look at my own faith. Do I really believe my God has overcome all things? Do I really believe the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross is sufficient to account for all my shortcomings? What is going on in the world today is truly frightening and it is hard to fathom the degree of evil that is being demonstrated. But as followers of the Living God we are called to have no fear as it is written: "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." -- Matthew 10:28. We are called to love our enemies and display the incredible, unfathomable, steadfast love of the Father. Since this life is temporary and there is a new life in Christ, our lives on earth should be a humble sacrifice to the one who has given us everything.
Not to say that everyone should serve in hostile environments such as the parts of the Islamic world, nor do I intend to inspire or romanticize martyrdom. But there is an invitation from the Lord for every willing heart to be strengthened in faith. Faith that only the Holy Spirit can build in your heart if you are willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus. The Lord calls everyone to different places and different journeys but He absolutely calls us all to deny ourselves, to deny our own desires and give all we have to glorify his name. God knows our hearts and our passions and our desires, and when we choose his will over our own we receive more than we could ever have planned for ourselves. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33.
- Elias Regier