CCBC

Red lines – 20 January 2019

Amidst all the current political uncertainty over Brexit reference has often been made to particular ‘red lines’ which one side or the other (or different sub-sides within either side) are not prepared to cross (well, until perhaps … ).  With regard to red lines I came across the following ‘creed’ that was given to a person on the day that they became a Christian:

The die has been cast.  The decision has been made.  I have stepped over the line.  I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still … I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity.  I don’t have to be right, first, top, recognised, praised, regarded or rewarded … My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable and my vision is clear.  I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.  I won’t give up, shut up, let up or slow up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up and spoken up for the cause of Christ.  I am a disciple of Jesus.

These words come from an anonymous work entitled The Fellowship of the Unashamed.  As Christians we cannot, we must not seek to step back “over the line”.  We are indeed disciples of Jesus and, like Paul, are “not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1v16).  How can we think of turning our back on – or crossing – the red line of Jesus’ blood poured out on that wooden cross at Calvary?

Peace and Grace

Paul