Go big or go home

October 5th, 2026
by Bruce Smith

January 20, 2020 – I read the story of Stephen in Acts this morning. That, too, is the result of devoting ourselves to the apostle’s teaching. When we believe it and live it, we should expect opposition. Is this a life I am willing to call people into? That is a fair question because I should be thoughtful in this endeavor and echo the words of Jesus, that we ought to consider the cost, so we can give ourselves over whole-heartedly.

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Reflecting back on these words I had written, I can’t help but think of Worf on Star Trek saying, “It is a good day to die!” He had such a resolve to go out with honor for a cause worthy of his life. It is the Klingon way.

That’s how I believe God wants us to live. Confident. Secure. Fearless. We must risk all to experience all. I originally titled today’s devotional, “Consider the Cost,” but that seemed too weak of a title in the end. Jesus gave everything. For us. He left heaven. He subjected himself to a human life with all its hardship and betrayal, and he never took advantage of all the power he had at his disposal to take an easier way out. He chose the cross because he loved me.

I think Stephen would say, “What’s to consider? I have no life without him.” This is what faith looks like. I am confident that God will… but even if he doesn’t, he deserves my whole heart anyway. I am secure that he is able… but even if he allows _____, he is worthy of every breath I take. I can be fearless in the cause of Christ because no matter what… my life is in His hands for all eternity.

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We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.
-2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (NLT)

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"Sins of the Father." Star Trek: The Next Generation, created by Gene Roddenberry, season 3, episode 17, Paramount Domestic Television, 19 Mar. 1990.