Awhile ago I was spending time with a new believer and for a time I have been meddling with a perception that he was struggling. This new believer wanted to die for Christ.
In our conversation he felt that anything less than dying for Christ was a wasted life. That the act of physical dying and being in harms way for the spread of the gospel was the ultimate sacrifice for a believer. I remember not reacting to this person's desire and putting aside his desires to ponder for another day. I had a ready answer at the time, but I believe that his gusto would eventually be answered truthfully by the holy spirit and I need not intervene at the moment. I guess I perceived that he was undergoing his own transformation and needed to sanctify according to his own personal terms over time. Truth be known....I did not want to rain on his parade. Perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps God had positioned me to speak into this young man's life but at the time I was not sure if he desired to be a martyr, or actually serve the Lord in spreading the gospel in not so Christian friendly area's. I think I was wise not to keep my mouth shut. Sometimes it is what we do not say...
Tom Fox , clearly on a peacekeeping mission and ministering to the poor and weak, made me think of this young man again. He died doing what Christ called us to do. Loving one another and serving those in need. Tom Fox just happened to be called to Iraq, a place I am gratefully not ministering, (shame on me?) I am however grateful for the Tom Fox's of the world. I know others that have ministered in the mid east and I know that it takes some grit and knowledge that the fruit of conversion is minuscule. The AP press of course fumbles through why Tom Fox was truly there. It hacked his true meaning, love for Christ and fellow man, rendering the concept of why someone would put themselves in such a bad position and geographical location. I do not think Tom Fox had a desire to die for Christ. I believe he knew the Truth, and had a sincere desire to serve and love. That, is a heart I can really appreciate.