From Pulpit to Resistance
What does it truly mean to live out your faith and move beyond mere words and transform belief into tangible action? The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor turned spy and would-be assassin, challenges us to consider the depths of our convictions and the lengths we're willing to go to stand up for what's right.
The Unlikely Hero: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was no ordinary pastor. Born into a wealthy German family, he chose the path of ministry despite his family's hopes for a more lucrative career. Little did they know that this decision would lead him to become one of the ten modern martyrs of the 20th century, commemorated with a statue in Westminster Abbey.
Bonhoeffer's journey took him from the halls of academia to the heart of resistance against Nazi Germany. As a brilliant theologian who earned his doctorate at just 21, he could have easily remained in the ivory tower of intellectual pursuits. Instead, he chose to put his faith into action when faced with the evil of Hitler's regime.
The Call to Action
Bonhoeffer's words ring true today: "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak." When the Nazis sought to remove the Old Testament from the Bible due to its Jewish origins, Bonhoeffer knew he could no longer remain passive. His faith compelled him to act, even at great personal risk.
This call to action isn't just for historical figures like Bonhoeffer. Jesus himself tells us in John 14:12-14:
"Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
You Were Created for Greatness
It's easy to doubt our ability to make a difference. We might think, "Sure, God can use someone like Bonhoeffer, but what about me?" The truth is, God has called each of us to greatness. As the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10:
"For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God has uniquely positioned you to impact the world in ways no one else can. He's already gone ahead of you, preparing the way for your faith in action.
Have the Courage to Accept His Call
Putting faith into action requires courage. Just as Joshua needed encouragement to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we too need to be reminded of God's presence and power in our lives. As Joshua 1:9 states:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission, puts it this way: "Jesus didn't come to make us safe. He came to make us brave."
Reframe the Pain
Living out our faith often involves sacrifice and suffering. But as the Apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:12-13:
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
When we sacrifice to advance God's kingdom, we share in Christ's sufferings and participate in His redemptive work in the world.
Don't Forget the Unseen Battle
As we step out in faith, we must remember that we're engaged in a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
We must be prepared for spiritual opposition when we seek to make a difference for God's kingdom.
Persevere Until the End
Our goal should be to hear those coveted words from our Heavenly Father: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). Let's strive to live in such a way that, as C.S. Lewis said, "When I die, all of hell rejoices that I am out of the fight."
Remember, as Bonhoeffer said, "Christianity preaches the infinite worth of that which is seemingly worthless and the infinite worthlessness of that which is seemingly so valued." Your acts of faith, no matter how small they may seem, have eternal significance in God's eyes. So, let's put our faith into action and change the world, one courageous step at a time.
Reflection:
1. How does Bonhoeffer's story challenge your understanding of what it means to live out your faith?
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to put your faith into action?
3. What "greater things" might God be calling you to do in your own life and community?
4. How can you reframe the challenges or pain in your life as opportunities to participate in Christ's sufferings and further His kingdom?
Application:
This week, identify one concrete way you can put your faith into action. It doesn't have to be something grand – even small acts of kindness, service, or sacrifice can make a significant impact.
Prayer:
God, thank you for the example of faithful servants like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Give us the courage to accept your call on our lives, even when it's challenging. Help us to reframe our pain and see the unseen spiritual battles around us. May we not be content with simply believing but empower us to put our faith into action in ways that bring glory to your name. Let us persevere until we hear you say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, Amen.
