Principled Death

I saw the movie Valkyrie this past weekend. I am somewhat a student of history so I knew how the movie would end. For this particular moment in history, I also have an emotional connection. My mother-in-law is German. She was 11 years old when WWII started and by the age of 12 she had been forced into labor at the bomb factories. Her family hid a German soldier who had deserted from the Nazis. Many of the German people were against what was happening in their country.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. (Attributed to English philosopher Edmund Burke)

While the people hold some responsibility for the leadership of their country, I'm sure knowing how to respond was a daunting and seemingly hopeless consideration. Some were passive. Others were willing to respond. Nonetheless, there were numerous attempts to assassinate Hitler (some counts as high as forty-two). Those attempting these were standing on principles and core values that were worth risking and ultimately giving their life. I was inspired by their courage in the face of impossible odds.

Jesus challenges us to live for the glory of God and the good news of reconciliation for all mankind:

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. (Mark 8:35 NLT)

Following Christ will cost us something (perhaps even our life), but it's temporary; not following Christ will cost us everything, and that's eternal.

Jesus knew what it meant to die for something. "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13 NLT) He gave up his life for us. Now he offers us eternal life. He defines how to have that life in John 17:3 - And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. He calls us to know him intimately and to make him known. In Acts 1:8, we are called to be his witnesses, to tell his story. Jesus tells us that we bring God glory by completing the work he has called us to do -- living a life of obedience to him (John 17:4).

Through history, we've seen examples of men and women who were willing to give of their life for a cause. Many or most of us will never have to face death because of our faith. However, we should be willing. What greater cause than to be reconciled to our creator so that we can reflect his glory to a world in need.