If you've been around me much, you've probably heard me talk about 24, which in my mind is the best show ever. Sure it's violent, unrealistic, and oftentimes extremely disturbing, but it's also amazing. Why, might you ask? The answer is simple...Jack Bauer. Jack Bauer is the star of the show, a gun-toting, terrorist-torturing patriot who has faced death approximately 287 times (just a rough estimate), only to save the world from destruction time and time again.What is so remarkable about Jack is the fact that he is completely fearless. He looks death in the face and doesn't even flinch. He volunteers for the most dangerous suicide missions imaginable without even a second glance. If saving Americans is on the agenda, he'll sign up, no matter the cost. He doesn't hesitate to take any risk imaginable if it means saving his country.
Jack's courage reveals where his priorities lie. Unlike many others, his own life is not at the top of his list. He deeply cares about the lives of Americans, and he puts their lives above his own. He believes in goodness and will pay whatever price necessary to stop evil.
What do you think the Church would be like if it was filled with "Jack Bauers" for Christ? What if every Christian valued the souls of strangers so much, that they would take whatever risk necessary to bring them salvation? What if all Christians had an unswerving commitment to goodness and an absolute hatred for sin? Do you see Christians taking risks for God, following His will even when they have no idea what the outcome will be? Are there many Christians you know who are willing to give up their lives for the sake of the gospel? Are you willing?
In reality, many Christians are simply playing it safe. We don't see many people living like a "Jack Bauer" for Christ. As Christians, we're often afraid to move out of our own Christian bubbles and minister to the perishing people around us. Instead of fighting against evil, we become immune to it and passively tolerate it. We lack the zeal, commitment, and courage needed to make an impact on our communities.
I know what you're thinking. Jack Bauer isn't a real person, and that kind of devotion and fearlessness isn't realistic. Maybe you're right. However, if you look at the stories of the apostle Paul, he looks exactly like a Christian Jack Bauer. His boldness, unswerving commitment, and passion for the gospel is astounding. I want to encourage you to start praying that God will give you boldness. Pray that He will show you how to live a life without fear or hesitation when it comes to living out your faith. Pray that He will guide you according to His will and give you the courage to follow Him in obedience wherever He may take you. I want to end with a quote from a modern-day Christian "Jack Bauer" who devoted his entire life to spreading the gospel and fearlessly gave his life on the mission field. Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
