Higher Calling

Acts 5:27-32

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29)

YEARS AGO, I WATCHED a war movie in which the main character had been taken prisoner. His captors wanted him to reveal classified information. They tortured him, hoping he would break. But he didn't. He served a higher calling than his own comfort. His loyalty was to his country, not his captors. For him, the pain was less torturous than the thought of betraying the nation he loved. The physical agony was bearable; the shame of disappointing his cause was not. He was eventually set free and awarded a medal of honor. Peter and the other apostles knew that by preaching the gospel, they could face prison, flogging, or even execution. But they knew if they disobeyed God, they'd face a far greater shame. Their loyalty didn't lie with men, but with their heavenly Father. They didn't want to disappoint the One who loved them most. Obedience to God is hard at times. We may be mocked. We may lose money or popularity. We may even lose our jobs. Some have lost their lives. But truly, when I look my Savior in the face, I don't want to see disappointment. I want to stand before Him with honor, no matter the cost, knowing I have not betrayed the One who loves me most. And I hope I too will receive that medal of honor, as my Father says, "Well done."

Renae Brumbaugh 

Choose one area in which you will obey God, even though it is difficult.