Everyday Martrydom

In chapter 6 of “Ordinary Hero: Living the Cross and Resurrection in Everyday Life” Tim Chester describes what everyday martyrdom looks like…

What does the practice of the cross mean when someone wrongs me? “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ in God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I’m tired and someone asks me for help? “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you” (Philippians 2:17).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I want to hold back from taking a risk or moving out of my comfort zone? “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I see an opportunity to impress someone with my Bible knowledge or Christian service? “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves…Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:3,5-8).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I start asking, “How will this effect me?” “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:4-5,8).

What does the practice of the cross mean when my family asks why I’ve not pursued a career like other people? “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).

What does the practice of the cross mean when people don’t respond to my hard work on their behalf? “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money but eager to serve.” (1 Peter 5:1-2).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I open my wallet? “See that you also excel in this grace of giving…For you know the grace of the the Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:7-9).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I start to say, “I want my way”? “Then [Jesus] said to them, ‘my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet now as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:38-39).

What does the practice of the cross mean when friends urge me to join them in sinful behavior? “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin…They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse upon you…” (1 Peter 4:1,4).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I find other Christians difficult to get along with? “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself, but as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me’…Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:2-3, 7).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I see other Christians in need? “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:16-17).

What does the practice of the cross mean when dishes need to be done at home? “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and have himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25; see also 1 Peter 2:18-3:7).

What does the practice of the cross mean when I face temptation? “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2).