THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR ATTITUDE 1

Children of God, i want to crave your indulgence  to as, are you a martyr of  Christ or do you have a martyr attitude?  Before i dive into this discussion, we will like to look at who a martyr is and how they operate.

Who is a martyr? A martyr is someone who willingly suffers death, persecution, or extreme hardship for their religious beliefs, principles, or cause, particularly when refusing to renounce their faith. In Christianity, a martyr is often seen as a person who is killed because of their steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.

     Key Aspects of a Martyr:

Witness to Faith: The word martyr comes from the Greek word martyros, meaning “witness.” A martyr serves as a witness to the truth of their faith, often in the face of intense opposition.

Endurance of Persecution: Martyrs are known for enduring suffering, torture, or death without renouncing their faith. They remain steadfast, demonstrating their love and loyalty to God even under severe conditions.

Biblical Examples:

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for proclaiming Christ (Acts 7:54-60). While being killed, he prayed for his persecutors, echoing Christ’s forgiveness on the cross. What a child of God with a perfect heart.

The Apostles, such as Peter and Paul, were also martyred for their testimony of Christ. According to tradition, they were executed by Roman authorities for preaching the gospel.

Jesus Christ: While Jesus is not typically referred to as a martyr in the same sense as later Christians, He willingly sacrificed His life on the cross for humanity, making Him the ultimate example of sacrificial love and endurance for the sake of God’s will.

Martyrdom as a Call to Faithfulness:

Martyrs serve as profound examples of faithfulness, showing that their devotion to God surpasses the value of even their own lives. Their courage inspires Christians to remain faithful to Christ, even in the face of hardship, and reminds believers of the eternal reward promised by God. In summary, a martyr is someone who, in the face of persecution, chooses to remain faithful to their beliefs, often at the cost of their life, serving as a testimony to their unwavering commitment to their faith or cause.

God’s gift to us is…happiness.

ECCLESIASTES 3:13 CEV

People with not a “martyr attitude” do things out of a sense of joy. They feel guilty about enjoying life. They tend to begrudge happiness to those around them. They resent it when others don’t do things for them, yet they won’t ask for help in case they create a sense of obligation. The fact is, “martyrs” don’t value themselves so they think nobody else does. That’s not how God wants you to live. The Bible says there’s a time to work…to play…to laugh, and enjoy life, because “God’s gift to us is…happiness.” Jesus said, “I came to give life …in all its fullness” (Jn 10:10 NCV). You need fun and relaxation.

They’re not unspiritual! Without them you become un- balanced and you open yourself to stress-related illness, mood swings and compulsive behaviours. You find yourself constantly vulnerable, driven and unable to relax.

Refuse to take on a false sense of responsibility. Don’t neglect or deny your own legitimate needs. Yes, you’re called to help others, but it’s not wrong to do things for yourself, to receive from God, and those He sends to bless you. If somebody compliments you, accept it graciously.

If they attempt to belittle you, ignore it and move on. One counsellor writes: “When you find yourself trying to prove how much you’ve been hurt, or trying to ‘top’ someone else’s pain, stop and figure out what’s going on. The reward is learning to stop the pain and move into joy, peace and fulfilment.” David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps 16:11 AMP). So begin to spend more time with God. You only get to make the journey once, so enjoy it and make it count.

Your brother in Christ, the one the master loves.