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Last week my wife and I flew home to California to visit family. I’m not a big fan of flying. I’ve always believed a boring flight is a good flight. What I fear more than the actual flying is who might sit next to me. Will they talk the entire flight? Will they need to get up a lot? Will the airport food give them gas? Will they raise the arm between our seats blurring the line between their space and mine? Worst of all, will they ask me what I do for a living? If I say I am a pastor a few things are likely to happen; first, they may confess to me all they’ve done wrong (I’m not a priest and these seats are not a confessional),  second, they may challenge my profession with something they’ve heard or third, they may not talk to me at all. It’s really a gamble.

I hate to admit it, but when I’m on vacation I sometimes don’t like telling people I’m a pastor. It’s not because I don’t like being a pastor... I do. It’s because I sometimes feel awkward talking about my faith with strangers. Yes, I said it. What kind of pastor feels awkward talking about his faith…. Maybe a mad pastor? Sunday mornings can be rough! Anyhoo…

So I was deeply humbled when I read about Shahbaz Bahtti today. Mr Bahtti was the only Christian serving in the Islamic state of Pakistan’s government. He knew as a Christian, he would be persecuted for his faith. In fact Bahtti never married because he was convinced he would one day be killed for his commitment to Christ.  Yet he would not allow the threats of his death pressure him into burying his Christian convictions.

On Wednesday morning, Bahtti was shot to death outside his mother’s home. Pakistan's Taliban and al-Qaeda factions claim responsibility for his assassination.

How far are you willing to go for what you believe in? Are you willing to talk to a stranger? Are you willing to give up a peaceful flight? Are you willing to give up some time in your day, to be humbled, even embarrassed? Are you willing to put what you believe in before your very own life? How far are you willing to go? Bahtti, was willing to go all the way.

Too often I settle for dating my Christian faith but I’m not willing to go all the way and marry it. Because when you marry your faith, you stay loyal to it, as the pastor says, “till death do you part.” Call me mad, but faith is not something we should just fool around with. Faith requires a lifetime  commitment of fidelity.

Bhatti went all the way and married his faith. He knew God had already gone the distance for him. So he remained loyal to his relationship with God even when it seemed safer to cheat and run.

Is there something you believe in? How far are you willing to go for it? Do you date your faith, or are you willing to go all the way and marry it?

For more of the story read it here at Christianity Today
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Check Please 03/01/2011
 
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No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.- John 15:13

As I write this, my wife and I are flying home to California to visit family. Sitting next to my wife is a gentleman in a United States military uniform. This has inspired me to acknowledge the men and women who serve and protect us.

The people who serve in our military today are volunteers. For whatever reason, they made the choice to sign up. They have made a commitment that could cost them their lives. I think these men and women should be acknowledged for that.

They have made a commitment to us. I think we should make a commitment to them. I think those who serve in the military should be honored and respected while wearing the uniform. I applaud those businesses who give discounts to the military and restaurants who, on certain holidays, extend a free meal to service men and women. I think we the public should show our appreciation in practical ways.

I think we should pay the check for any uniform we see eating a meal. Isn’t that the least we can do?

Call me crazy, but I think someone who is actively serving in the military and in uniform, should never have to pay for a meal when they are in public. What are your thoughts? Will you ask the waiter for the check for a uniformed serviceman/woman?

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