The Cost of Obeying God
When the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary that fateful day, I doubt she had any clue how greatly her life was about to change. After all, his greeting troubled her, and she must have wondered what his words meant. But once he explained God's plan for her to bear the Messiah, she responded with humility and surrender: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).
With those words, Mary agreed to carry the very Son of God in her womb, knowing full well the cost that came with such an honor. She knew people would accuse her of impurity when they noticed her pregnant belly. After all, she was still a virgin espoused to Joseph. No doubt the wagging tongues would have much to say about her supposed indiscretion. She knew Joseph would be hurt and confused until the angel intervened. She probably suspected the cold stares and whispers behind her back that would follow her for months.
Yet she counted it a privilege to serve the Lord, no matter how others viewed her. She accepted the shame and stigma willingly because she desired, above all else, to fulfill God's purpose for her life. She was willing to obey Him, even when it made her a subject of gossip and disdain.
What a remarkable example for us today! How many of us would willingly accept such treatment for the cause of Christ? Are we willing to let our lights shine brightly for Jesus, even if others gossip about our good works? Do we gladly surrender our reputations to serve Him wholly?
Jesus himself said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matthew 5:11). If we live godly lives, we can expect mistreatment at times. But like Mary, we should consider it an honor, not a burden.
Paul said he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord (Philippians 3:8). He willingly suffered the loss of all things for the cause of Christ. Why? Because he understood the eternal impact of living fully for Jesus.
We are called to be bold and courageous, willing to stand for truth, even when others ridicule us. "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
God sees our hearts and our motives. When we obey Him out of sincere love, it does not matter what others say about us. Let us follow Mary's example and say with humble hearts, "Be it unto me according to thy word." Let us shine for Jesus, no matter the cost.