Why do you have to die to win?

Author

Elder Jim Fairchild

So many churches teach that if you believe in Jesus Christ you will go to heaven when you die.
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Sadly, as professed by many Christian denominations, salvation appears to be a once and done moment that begins with inviting Jesus into their lives through reciting a "sinners prayer", an alter call and/or baptism.  Then they spend the rest of their lives waiting to be taken to Heaven!  In essence, this gospel message teaches you have to die to win!

Have you ever wondered why the promise of heaven feels like it's only reserved for after we pass away? So many churches emphasize that belief in Jesus brings eternal life after death, but what about the life we're living right now?

​ "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” 
John 3:16 NRSV

As members of Community of Christ, we are bound together with Christians in every place and in every time by our confession of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, author of our salvation, and head of the church.

However, it doesn’t end here. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus delivers a message of depth and spiritual aspiration. The phrase “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 NRSV) is not merely a petition but a call to action and transformation. It invites believers to envision and work towards a world that reflects divine principles.

The prayer highlights a world where divine justice, peace, and love reign supreme. By invoking the kingdom of God, Jesus encourages us to strive for a society that mirrors the compassion, equity, and harmony found in heaven. This is not a passive wish but a dynamic challenge to align our actions with heavenly ideals.

This part of the Lord’s Prayer serves as a reminder that believers are not just recipients of divine grace but also bearers of responsibility. They are called to be agents of change, bringing about the kingdom of God through their daily actions and decisions.  

Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?'  Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.' 
Matthew 7:21-23 NRSV

Let's briefly explore how our faith and discipleship journey can transform our present, not just our future. Christianity isn't just about waiting for paradise. It’s about creating a little bit of heaven on earth today. 

​Being a Disciple is more than holding a list of right ideas; it is about our obedience to Jesus in every part of life. God’s boundless love sets us free for lives of responsible stewardship in which we generously offer our lives in service to our Lord. Jesus calls us to follow him and to invite others to experience the transforming power of his grace.

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”   Matthew 5:14-16 NSRV

The kingdom was present in Jesus’ ministry, as described in the Gospels, and his disciples’ actions as described in Acts. First believers continued Christ’s Mission by proclaiming the Living Christ, inviting all people into community, valuing the worth of each person, generously and compassionately meeting their needs, and pursing justice and peace for everyone.

The promises of God in Jesus Christ are sure; that by the Holy Spirit we will be given grace to do the things we have been asked: courage in the struggle for justice, passion for peace in the midst of violence, forgiveness of our sins, stewardship in place of materialism, healing of body and spirit where there is hurt, and eternal life in the face of death.

As followers of Jesus Christ, it is important to understand the significance of the call to be his disciples. By accepting this invitation, we are called to emulate his life and ministry, which was rooted in love, compassion, and justice.  This point is illustrated by one of my favorite Bible scriptures:

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?  And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'  
Matthew 25:37-40 NRSV

 Discipleship is an ongoing process that requires commitment and dedication. It's not just a one-time decision, but a daily choice to follow Jesus and learn from him.
 
Following Jesus means prioritizing his teachings and values over the values of the world. This can sometimes mean making difficult choices or sacrifices, but ultimately it leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
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Discipleship involves both personal transformation and a commitment to serving others. Jesus modeled a life of service and sacrifice, and as his followers, we are called to do the same.
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Being a disciple of Jesus is not about perfection or having all the answers. It's about being willing to learn, grow, and trust in God's grace and guidance. 

Discipleship is not something we do alone. It involves being part of a community of believers who support, encourage, and challenge one another to live out our faith in practical ways.
 
As you seek to follow Jesus and become a disciple, remember that it's not always easy, but it's always worth it. Through his life and ministry, Jesus showed us the way to true joy, peace, and purpose By putting our lives into the divine mission of invitation, compassionate ministry, justice and peacemaking, we can live out the teachings of Christ and change our life, our community and the world.

One way we can put this into practice is by volunteering our time and resources to serve others. There are countless opportunities to do this within our communities, whether it be through a local charity, church group, or other organization. 

By serving those whom the world has forgotten, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of others and reflect the love of Christ to the world.

Rather than wait for celestial kingdoms in the next life, we are called today to set free the oppressed, to proclaim peace, and to overcome injustices and unnecessary suffering in this life.

Instead of waiting to win, let's embrace the beauty of our faith here and now. 

Visit the ACTIVITIES page on our website to explore current discipleship opportunities.  

​We invite you to join us!

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