I can take nothing away from the literary skill of Randy Alcorn, or from the daily courage displayed by the Staines family (and many others), who are unquestionably stellar examples of total commitment to Christ. However, there’s a subtle inference I would like to point out; something that struck me as I read this dedication.
One might infer that because these saints and martyrs paid such a high price, that they are perhaps “elite” or super-Christians, living at a level that the rest of us could never attain because 1) they serve in a hostile foreign environment, and 2) they have a level of faith the rest of us do not possess.
It’s easy to make those assumptions, but the fact is they are simply examples of Christians living out their lives and displaying what it means to be completely committed to Jesus Christ. It is because they are totally committed that they are deemed to be among “those of whom the world is not worthy.”
God has called them, and He has given them what they need in order to do what He has called them to do. This does not differ from our situations. Regardless of who you are, where you live or anything else, you can still choose — as the Staines family obviously has — to live a life of complete commitment, surrendered to and trusting in Jesus Christ. You are also in a hostile environment; it’s just that the enemies of Christ in the world where you live and work have not (yet) reverted to deadly force. The “great desire” that Gladys articulated for the lepers in India should be very similar to the desire you have for your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who remain estranged from their Creator and are slowly being choked to death by the “leprosy” of the sin dwelling within them.
The point is that the Staines family does not display “exceptional” Christianity. Rather, they are living out what AUTHENTIC Christianity looks like, and we are all called to live authentic Christian lives. If Jesus can sustain foreign missionaries under extremely adverse conditions, we can KNOW that He will also sustain us. If the Staines family, after enduring these hardships, still concludes that it is worth it, then WE can similarly know that our lives, if lived as authentic Christians, will also be worth it.
No doubt the Staines family faced hard decisions every day. No doubt they endured seasons of discouragement, deprivation, and second-guessing. Just like every other believer. God is not keeping track of our mistakes, doubts or failures. What He sees and no doubt delights in, is the daily commitment and living out of authentic faith, the Job 13:15 (or if you prefer, Daniel 3:17-18) moments when you experience resistance or temptation and you choose the will of Christ – over your own comfort and safety if necessary.
In short, don’t come away from stories of rugged faith and think, “I could never do that.” Rather, understand that you CAN “do that” every day, if you choose every day to live an authentic and totally committed life in Christ. Just as the Staines answered their calling, you can answer yours. Choose wisely – live authentically.
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