HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED, “Would you rather?” My son used to love this game. Of course, it was formed in the mind of a ten year old boy. “Would you rather drink hobo diarrhea or eat hobo scabs?” And the likes. Pretty gross. But I want to pose to you “would you rather” in a much more serious light. Think hard before you answer.
Taking up your cross and following Jesus is costly. Would you rather be in a lion’s den or safely in your room? Of course most would answer to be safe. But think hard. What will it cost you? For me, I’ve already made up my mind that I will obey the Lord and follow His will, no matter what the cost. I would rather be in the will of the Lord than to enjoy all the riches and treasures of the world.
“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”
Hebrews 11:24-26 NKJV
I would rather be thrown into the fiery furnace with the three faithful Hebrew men than to bow down in complacency for fear of losing my worldly goods and success. I would rather be in the prison with Joseph than experience a moment of forbidden pleasure and serve as a liar in the highest court. I would rather be in the lion’s den with Daniel than to miss out on one minute of prayer to my beloved Savior. I would rather be hung upside down on a cross with Peter than face one moment of denial of obeisance to my Lord.
My mind is set like a flint that I will not in any way despise my new birthright for one morsel of food, no matter how hungry I get. I will not choose riches, honor or fame over losing His favor. I will not run after pleasures, lusts or desires over suffering for His name’s sake. I have made up my mind. I don’t care what others think about me, or how they perceive me or talk about me. They can mock me and hate me. I will not be moved. I will not be silenced by fear. I will be faithful to the Lord my God is all ways, in all places, under every circumstance and trial.
I will speak boldly in His name. I will tell others the truth of His Word and suffer stripes with the NT apostles, rather than suffer from regret and shame before His mighty throne. I won’t go anywhere He tells me to stay away from or have associations with those He tells me are wicked and I will go wherever and to whomever He desires. I will remain in His will, no matter what it costs me.
My desire is to be in Texas, but His will is in Washington. I did not purchase my own freedom. I offer Him my life. I will be faithful until my death. No man can sway me from seeing my Beloved face to face. His presence is more precious than all the gold in the world. I will not do anything to jeopardize His favor. What would you rather do? Think long and hard before you answer. It will cost you.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
