Would I? I Don’t Know.

Making my way through a week long Bible reading plan…

Today’s readings focused on the very real dangers to early Christians of professing their Christianity. The Bible tells us of many ways, really grisly, gruesome ways, that early Christians were tortured and killed over their refusal to renounce their belief in Jesus as the Messiah.

Today’s readings ended with a personal question to the reader. “Would you be willing to die for your belief in Jesus?”

The only honest answer I can give is, “I don’t know.”

One thing I’ve learned from worldly life is that I can intend to be an unwavering hero in all kinds of situations, and conversely, I can believe that I would never have the courage to do something truly courageous (say, throw myself on a grenade to save the lives of my family).

But the fact is that no matter what I might say or believe or hope I would do hypothetically, I don’t really know until I’m in the actual situation where courageous action is called for.

Would I be like Peter (“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”)? (Luke 22:60; Matthew 26:70) I hope not. But I don’t know. And I hope never to have to find out.

But if it be God’s will that I be so-tested, may his will be done!