Would You Rather Be Entertained...or Die?

“The concert has no martyr roll.” – C.H. Spurgeon

What exactly is Charles Spurgeon saying in today’s quote?

If I could get inside the head of the “Prince of Preachers”, I think what he is saying is that in some ways, Christians get to choose their path in life. One option is the easy way, the path that is smooth, well-paved, well-lit, and heavily traveled. It is lined with earthly pleasures and amusing diversions that cause few discomforts and demand even fewer sacrifices.

The other path – the one that is far less traveled – is narrow and full of rocks, potholes, and other challenging (and very inconvenient) obstacles. Traveling along this road is arduous, dangerous, and both physically and spiritually exhausting, but it is God-ordained. In fact, it is the path of true discipleship, the one that begins and ends at the foot of Calvary’s cross. Those who choose this path are often second-guessed and even mocked, and their earthly rewards are few and far between.

Which one would you sign up for? Your flesh may be crying out for the former, but hopefully your spirit overrules your flesh and chooses the latter.

Later this month, Deanna and I are taking our first weeklong vacation in three years. Our destination is Branson, Missouri, which is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. Branson is known for its entertaining shows, many of them family-oriented and featuring gospel or country singers. One of the most popular attractions is the Sight & Sound Theatre’s production of David. However, if we want to see that biblical story portrayed for our entertainment and edification, we will have to plunk down more than $400 for a pair of tickets. No thanks; not on a missionary’s salary!

Instead, we plan to spend our time touring the free downtown sights such as Dick’s 5 & 10 and maybe treating ourselves to lunch at Paula Deen’s restaurant at Branson Landing. Other than that, we will be content to explore the backroads and small towns of the Ozarks, including Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

I am reminded of the story of the early missionaries who, when they left England for a far-off land, stuffed all their worldly belongings in a simple wooden coffin because they had no intention of returning to their homeland. Instead, they planned to die in some mosquito-infested jungle in their Lord’s service.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” Not to entertain or to be entertained, but to die to self in order to live for Christ.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (BSB)

“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President