What does it take to be effective for Christ?

Commitment.

Let’s look for a few moments at the life of Stephen, the church’s first martyr. The story of the final minutes of his life can be found in Acts 7. Stephen was a man who was unwavering in his commitment to Christ. He performed signs and wonders and boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ publicly. Such was his conviction that when falsely accused and brought before the self righteous Jewish leaders of the Sanhedrin, Stephen boldly turned the tables on all present with the following accusation.

“You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.” Acts 7:51-53

The Bible says the Jewish leaders were consumed with rage at Stephen’s accusations. Many were still observing the rules and traditions put forth in the law. Stephen was arguing against this saying that the law had been superseded by Christ’s finished work on the cross. He was engaging in a monumental task and was perceived to be on the losing end, when in fact, he was on the winning. -Stephen was taking a stand for Christ!

In the midst of what was unfolding, Stephen gazes upward and is granted a glimpse of glory. He sees his Savior standing at the right hand of the Father!

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!'” Acts 7:55-56

This passage should move us deeply. So often, we have heard of Christ being seated at the right hand of our heavenly Father. But in this passage we see the picture of Jesus standing. I believe this is a statement to all of those who take a stand for Christ. In the following passage, Jesus is clear about our boldness for Him here on earth.

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:28-33

God loved us enough to send Christ to die for us. Christ loved us enough to obey His Father fully and be the perfect atonement for our sin. Even today He is interceding for us in glory before the Father. It is only reasonable that we give ourselves in service for Him.

We have Christ’s full attention when we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives and take a stand for God. It honors Him, glorifies Him, and demonstrates our desire to be effective for Him in the lives of others He so desperately wants to reach through us.

If you’re familiar with the story, you know that Stephen’s courage for Christ cost him his life. Yet even while dying, Stephen cried out for mercy towards those who were stoning him.

“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60

So I ask you, what does your commitment to Christ look like when compared to that of Stephen’s? He was just an ordinary man used by God in an extraordinary way. Simply put, he was one hundred percent in it for Christ.

If you are saved, then naturally you confess Christ as your Savior. The question is, does your life reveal the kind of faith and fruit that demonstrates the Lordship of Christ? Do you live like someone who is passionate about the cause of Christ? Do you proclaim Him before your fellow men?

Remember, until He calls us, be effective for Him!

Please email admin@MEN4CHRIST.us with any questions or for prayer support.