"Do I Please The Lord?"

"Moving Beyond Convenience: A Call to Compassionate Action"

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between comfort and conviction. It's easy to fall into routines, to compromise our beliefs for the sake of convenience, or to shy away from the challenging aspects of living out our faith. But what if we're called to something greater?

The book of Hebrews paints a vivid picture of early Christians struggling with this very dilemma. Having accepted Christ, they were tempted to return to their old ways, to the familiar routines of temple sacrifices and rituals. It was comfortable, it was known, and it didn't invite persecution or ridicule from their peers. But the writer of Hebrews challenges this mindset, reminding them - and us - that Christ has fulfilled the old covenant and ushered in a new one.

"We have an altar," the writer declares. This altar isn't a physical structure of bronze and wood, but Christ himself. He is our high priest, our sacrifice, and our altar all in one. This profound truth should shake us out of our complacency and challenge us to live differently.

The imagery of sacrifice continues as we're reminded that just as the bodies of sacrificial animals were burned outside the camp, Jesus too suffered outside the city gates. This wasn't a coincidence, but a powerful symbol of His willingness to bear our reproach, to take on our shame and suffering. And here's where it gets personal - we're called to join Him there.

"Let us go forth therefore unto him outside the camp, bearing his reproach," the scripture urges. This isn't a call to comfortable Christianity. It's an invitation to step out of our comfort zones, to be willing to face ridicule or hardship for the sake of following Christ.

But why would we do this? Because "here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Our true home isn't in the comforts and securities of this world, but in the eternal city God is preparing for us. This perspective should radically alter how we live our lives here and now.

So what does this look like in practice? The writer of Hebrews gives us two key actions: praise and good works. "By him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Praise isn't just about singing on Sundays. It's a continual attitude of gratitude, acknowledging God in all circumstances. It can look like tears of joy, quiet reverence, or exuberant celebration. But more than just words or emotions, true praise should lead us to action.

This is where the rubber meets the road. Are we willing to move beyond convenience to truly serve others and share what we have? The story of Annie Armstrong provides a powerful example. In a time when women had limited rights and influence, she dedicated her life to supporting missions. She wrote thousands of letters, traveled extensively, and never took a penny for herself. Her work wasn't convenient, but it was driven by a deep conviction and compassion for others.

We might not all be called to such grand gestures, but we are all called to do good and to share. This could look like volunteering at a community event, even when it's not convenient. It might mean opening our homes, our wallets, or our schedules to meet the needs of others. It's about seeing the multitude as Jesus did - with compassion that moves us to action.

The gospel of Matthew recounts how Jesus, seeing the crowds, "was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd." This wasn't just sympathy - a feeling of pity that doesn't necessarily lead to action. This was compassion - a deep empathy that compelled Him to meet their needs.

Are we allowing ourselves to truly see the needs around us? Are we willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of showing Christ's love to others? It's easy to talk about community and service, but much harder to actually engage in it. Yet this is precisely what we're called to do.

Remember, our actions don't have to be grand to be significant. Sometimes it's the small acts of kindness - donating clothes, volunteering time, or simply being present for someone in need - that can have the biggest impact. Every act of service, no matter how small, is a sacrifice that pleases God.

As we reflect on these truths, let's ask ourselves some challenging questions:

1. Where have I compromised in my walk with God?
2. Am I willing to step outside my comfort zone to follow Christ more fully?
3. How can I offer the sacrifice of praise more consistently in my life?
4. What opportunities do I have to do good and share with others?
5. Am I seeing the needs around me with true compassion?

The call to follow Christ is not a call to convenience. It's an invitation to a life of purpose, compassion, and sacrificial love. It's about looking beyond our own needs and comfort to see the world as Jesus sees it. It's about being willing to be inconvenienced, to face ridicule, or to sacrifice our time and resources for the sake of others.

As we seek to live out these truths, may we be encouraged by the promise that such sacrifices please God. May we find the courage to step outside the camp, to offer continual praise, and to engage in good works. For in doing so, we not only draw closer to Christ ourselves but also become powerful witnesses of His love to a world in desperate need of hope.