| The Cost of Discipleship - article by Joel Hempel Before cable TV became popular, I had the privilege of hosting a TV show in Springfield, IL. While at Concordia Theological Seminary, I was hired to work in a one-room TV studio in the middle of a cornfield outside Springfield. My job was to operate the 16mm projectors that aired old movies nightly, read the news off the ticker tape, and call live bingo for a half-hour at suppertime. The bingo winners would receive a certificate for a dozen doughnuts. The other day, I told a friend that I was fired from the job after only two months. Why? Because I ended every bingo broadcast with an informal benediction. My friend said, “That’s an honorable reason for being fired.” I think she is right, but it did not feel good at the time.
What brought this ancient story to mind was watching a television show the Saturday night before the Super Bowl called Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. It was a most enjoyable show, not just because outstanding athletes were honored, but primarily because of the unapologetic Christian testimonies shared from the microphone. James Brown (JB), a well-known CBS sportscaster, was the most articulate and bold in referencing his faith in Jesus Christ. My guess is that he will not be invited back.
It is an unsubstantiated but common belief that St. Francis said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” Many of us like this saying because it gives us a free pass on speaking up for Jesus.
As much as I would like Francis’ statement to be true, the Bible teaches otherwise. In addition to passages like Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:15, and Matthew 10:32-33, there are these three verses:
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness ‘sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1Peter 3:13-15).
Please slow down and study those verses.
In an interview on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYuLNBYFOio – JB says his experience is that “people are more open to see a good sermon than hear a good sermon.” The key to others seeing our walking sermons, however, is to boldly love and live for Christ without embarrassment, stand strong for Jesus when challenged, and be prepared to bravely and gently make a defense for the hope that is in us as opportunities are presented.
Honestly, being a public Christian is as much a challenge for me as it is for anyone reading this article. So, here’s a prayer you might find helpful. I have.
Heavenly Father, let the light of Christ within me shine so that others see you. Give me opportunities to love with words you give me to share and behavior that will make you proud. And when I fail to speak and act in your name, please forgive me, and grant me the courage to boldly follow my Lord and Savior, in whose name I pray. Amen. | 
