One Life Is Worth It All

"We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition." — 1 Thessalonians 2:2
 
Is the cost of following Christ too high?

Paul knew what sacrifice looked like. In Philippi, he was beaten with rods and thrown into prison just for sharing the Gospel. His back was scarred from forty lashes minus one—five different times. He'd been shipwrecked, stoned, left cold and naked, gone without food.

Was it worth it?

Here's what happened in that Philippian prison: Instead of escaping when an angel opened the gates, Paul and Silas stayed—singing praises to God. The jailer, terrified he'd lose his life if prisoners escaped, found them still there, worshiping. It blew him away and opened his heart.

Paul shared the Gospel with him. The Bible tells us the jailer gave his life to Christ. His entire family came to Jesus that night.

One family. That's what came from that brutal beating and imprisonment. One family.
And it was totally worth it.

Listen: Sharing the Gospel is worth the sacrifice. Always. Whether you reach one person or thousands, whether people respond with joy or persecution, whether it costs you comfort or reputation or more—it's worth it.

Paul understood something profound: We don't measure ministry success by immediate results. We measure it by faithfulness. One life changed for eternity makes every sacrifice worthwhile.

"For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?" (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

Whatever God is calling you to do, whatever it might cost you—be faithful. The Gospel is worth the sacrifice. Every single time.