FOLLOWING CHRIST ISN'T FOR WIMPS

Spencer Moreau

On April 20, 1999, a 17-year old high school student shared her faith with the world. At Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, Rachel Jay Scott was eating lunch on the lawn outside of the school just like any other day. With no warning, two armed guys showed up out of nowhere and asked Rachel, “Do you believe in God?” She only had seconds to realize what her answer would cost her, and with no hesitation, she said yes. She was the first of 14 students (including the two shooters) and 1 teacher to be killed that day. Her faith in God cost Rachel her very life.

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

Luke 9:23-26

This is a challenging passage. There are many false teachers today who claim, “if you follow Jesus, you will be rich, happy, healthy, and will never have any problems again.” That sounds great an all, and I bet it can get a lot of people “saved” (if you can even call it that). The problem with it is, Jesus never said that. Actually, Jesus was a pretty controversial guy. His teachings were the furthest thing from politically correct. Instead, Jesus said that we would be mocked, hated, tested, and some of us even killed. He said that we would endure hardships and difficulties, because of our faith in God.

I don’t say all of this to discourage you or beat you down. Christ also said, “remember that they hated me first”, and “take heart, I have overcome the world.” We have assurance that our God understands our difficulty and has already overcome. This truth should encourage you to live a bold faith. Tell your friends about Jesus and how He has changed you, pray for your friends daily, worship passionately, get out in the trenches and fulfill what God has called you to. Join together with your friends and make a statement on your campus that YOU WORSHIP JESUS CHRIST, and nothing can stop you. The thought of every single VERVE student getting this just gets me pumped. How would our schools be different? Take up your cross daily, and follow Him.