The privilege of following Christ comes with a cost

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, and others, was written while in prison at Rome. He was waiting for an audience with Nero, then emperor of Rome. It evidently was quite a wait, but while waiting Paul put his time to good use.

The “prison letters” really help us focus on what it means to be a follower of Christ. In fact, while researching for a sermon I came across this verse, “For He has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well.” (Philippians 1:29)

Privilege has of late been a word that has been bandied around as a derogatory term. It has been used to disparage races and economic classes. In fact, reading the word in this article might have made you a bit uncomfortable. But look at what Paul said about privilege. Those who are privileged enough to believe in Christ get to suffer for Christ. See, there is a cost for privilege.

We equate privilege to ease and comfort. But, when it comes to following Christ, privilege comes with a cost, and Paul knew that firsthand.

A privileged follower of Christ is not a rich evangelical leader. No, a privileged follower of Christ is one who gives everything. The privileged follower isn’t going to be in the front of the church but will be essential to the ministry of the church.

You see, as followers of Christ, we are to step it up. We have been given the gift of salvation, the promise of life after death. Because we have been gifted with that, we now have the privilege of sharing the Gospel and teaching the word of God. We get to follow Christ all the way to the cross.

Yes, the world sees privilege as a life of ease and comfort, but in Christ privilege brings us to a cross. For Paul this privilege led to his beheading, for Peter, it led to upside down crucifixion. Matthew had the privilege of dying by spearing, as did Thomas (according to tradition). James had the privilege of being pushed off the temple roof, and then having his head caved in. John was the only one to have the privilege of a pseudo-retirement on the island of Patmos, but not before being boiled in oil first.

Richard Wurmbrand had the privilege of spending 14 years in a Romanian prison for preaching. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had the privilege of being hanged by Nazis two weeks before the end of World War II. Jim Elliot shared the privilege of being speared by natives while attempting to reach these natives with the word of God.

You see, you and I have the privilege to not only follow Christ, but to try reach out to others, no matter the cost. We can rest assured that if we participate in this privilege, we will join with the saints in suffering for Christ. The question then becomes; Is this truly a privilege?

Yes, yes, it is.

Shalom my friends.

See you in church.

Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.