The Price Is Right

We love a good deal and when we find a bargain at the right price, we voluntarily tell everyone we meet. I'm curious what the right price is for this thing we call discipleship? In our study in Acts, the pressure to conform reaches a new level. Stephen is called out for his speaking on behalf of Christ. A mob enraged picks up some stones and viciously takes his life. . . and for what? Speaking about love, grace, peace and hope? What was so outrageous that he had to die for being a disciple of Christ? There were those who watched, who did not pick up a stone and throw it. People who probably absolved themselves of this action. But they were just as guilty. Their silence placed them squarely in the middle of this violent action. Is your life too high of a price to pay for this being a disciple of Christ deal? What a waste of potential I can imagine some of the silent ones said to themselves. What a waste of potential to stand idly by and say or do nothing. Just maybe this giving of our life is the deal of the century. What do we get in return? (think about the long term implications of this discipleship deal) What do we get if we decide to be the silent ones on the side line - not getting involved but giving our opinions as to what took place. Have you ever considered why people are so bored when they chose mediocrity over passion for Christ? Maybe Stephen got the deal of the century and we just can't reconcile it with the idols of our land who have captured our minds and hearts.