As I look at all that lay before me in this life, I see a great need to remember my purpose as a follower of Jesus. As a citizen of the United States, I am privileged by a life that has not been marked by any notable persecutions. However, in this realization I understand the need to then ask, why I have not faced persecution? Could it be that God has called me to an easy Christian life? I find this hard to believe given passages such as Luke 14:25–35 and 1 Peter 4:12–13. Instead, I have concluded that if I am not in a position where I am facing mistreatment for my faith, there is more (or different) work for me to do. This is not to say that I should offend for the sake of offence, but Scripture seems to present a clear expectation that it is impossible to faithfully evangelize without some kind of challenging circumstances arising.
This is not to say that I believe I have been unfaithful in my walk with the Lord or that anyone who goes through life without facing intense persecution is not being obedient. But I see a need to assess whether I am being as faithful as I think, or if I am snuffing conversation opportunities around me by my own fear of rejection. Am I as engaged in the mess of other people’s lives enough to minister to them effectively, or does my introverted personality serve as a hinderance when I do not keep it in check? Do I recoil and become a hermit when I am hurt by other people, or do I rejoice for being worthy to suffer for the name of Christ (Acts 5:41)? When I am mistreated, is it for righteousness or unrighteousness’ sake (1 Pet. 3:16–17)? As I serve, I need to continue seeking the Lord and His leading so that I might face hardships for His glory and not to my shame.
As I count the cost, I realize that every scar, bruise, and scuff is worth any pain involved when it means that more people hear the hope of the Gospel. Getting outside of my own comfort zone and engaging with others in their context (even when I do not enjoy the same things they do) is a small price to pay when considering the value of their soul. I thank God for parents and other spiritual mentors who have stepped into my life and context so that I might know Jesus and grow in my walk with Him. In this appreciation, I have the responsibility to continue working out the ministry that the Holy Spirit began in my life (Phil. 2:12–13). As I work out this salvation, I am reminded of a description I heard years ago regarding what it means to be a disciple. The principle is that disciples are disciples who make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples…
The Gospel ministry that began with Christ has been passed down to me and my generation and we are responsible to respond to the call. As I continue what Christ began, I do so with full knowledge that as Christ suffered on earth so I must suffer. But I can have peace knowing that when I suffer, I am joining the sufferings of Christ. This is not to say I must think myself weak; rather, I find that my true strength and boldness for the truth come when I surrender to suffering however Christ would have me. What does it mean to be a disciple? It means to step into others’ lives and to understand who they are, where they have been, and how you can best present the truth of the Gospel. In the wise words of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” As Christ stepped into human flesh so that He could save the world, so I must step into the lives of others with all humility and obedience to however the Father leads (Phil. 2:5–11).
Pocket Theology 
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