Martyrdom, self-sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness.

Question: “Christian martyrdom is the epitome of Christian Spirituality, why do many Christians feel that if they are happy it proves God loves them?”

Response: Interesting question – one that needs to be asked from every pulpit. I’m not too sure how people who don’t consider themselves Christians look at martyrdom, but it seems we in the Church often write our own definition of "blessing", taking from stories of people in the Bible (Abraham, David, Solomon, even Job) who had health, wealth and financial independence, and for some, maybe all of us to varying degrees, that spells happiness. Martyrdom is doing without (even unto death). In a consumerist, materialistic, individualistic Western World there is little recognition or appreciation of self-sacrifice - Mother Teresa is a type of hero, but not a practical role-model for us. Jesus' words "deny yourself" seems to be thought of as “deny yourself all that brings you happiness”, which is an unbearable proposition for us in the West – so we dispense with Mark 8:34-38. We won't even "martyr" a proportion of our bank accounts, and live simply, even to reach our own children and their generation with the gospel.

I'm part of a Church subculture where an older generation points its critical finger and calls for "commitment", but it is that older generation who have modelled workaholism, burnout, and divorce, and abandoned local mission and evangelism, and have often taken the path of least resistance on the road to personal health and wealth – instead of seeking out the mystery of the easy yoke and the narrow way. Renewal is missional. Renewal is embracing self-sacrifice, and for many there are no mentors and role models, just people with the baptised, worldly values of prosperity, security, and self-indulgence - where words like martyrdom have no meaning, and for many, Jesus dying on a cross has little connection with fidelity, honesty, purity, or even holding up and persevering under the burden of inconvenience or and the cross of discomfort for the sake of others. If we want to be part of a world that is shaped by God, and where His character is evident, we as the Western Church are going to have to change, and embrace local mission, evangelism, and church planting, alongside worship and fellowship – all five of these are what Jesus’ disciples did must define “Christian discipleship”. It is now our time to hear His call and follow His leadership – and live the life of disciples.

I believe, until this missional shift in discipleship happens, words like blessing and martyrdom have not the biblical connect to make much sense or to translate into much that is practical and a blessing to others. If martyrdom is doing something good for others (not just denying ourselves something pleasurable) and being killed for it, what self-sacrificial thing are we willing to do to let our light shine before others, so they see our good works and “give glory to (the) father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)?