I understand this is the question a group from Ghana asks new missionaries when they arrive: “Have you come here to die?”
I suppose their motive is to find out if the new arrivals are “in it for the long haul.” Have they “packed their coffin” or are they already planning their return trip? In one sense, it’s a bit much to expect anyone to commit to a ministry or job or people group for an entire life. After all, statistics reveal that half of us don’t even commit to our “until death do we part” vows when we get married.
Paul may have referenced this commitment when he wrote to the people he loved in the Corinthian church: “You have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.” Earlier he implored them to “Make room for us in your hearts.” (2 Corinthians 7:2-3)
“Making room in our hearts for others” is not an exclusively Christian theme. I have a number of unbelieving friends who model this with such passion and excellence when they commit to others. But it is a specific call on all Christian lives, to live intentionally – for others. Making room means intentionally devoting our life’s time, love, concern, energy, and other valuable life resources for others. More than a one day event, it’s a lifetime calling. Is that something at which you excel? I know when we were abandoned by so many people when I was diagnosed with cancer, it caused me to ask, “Has this been a pattern in my own life? How am I doing at making room for others?”
Intentionally making room in our hearts for others is one thing, but are we really called to die for others? Maybe, if we call ourselves Christian. Let’s look at the life of the one who in fact DID come here to die. Jesus left his home in heaven to come here on earth as a vulnerable baby (fully human yet fully God) for one singular purpose: to die for your sins and mine. He not only made room in his heart for others, he devoted his whole life and death to reaching those who were ignored and even despised by others. He suffered excruciating pain on the cross and died for us. And he commanded us, whoever dares call themselves Christian, to follow him:
He said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” 1 Peter 2:21
Paul describes “denying self” as putting others first, actually dying to self. He says, “I face death daily.” One version says, “I die daily to self.” (1 Corinthians 15:31)
It’s not the glitzy message of the rich TV evangelist, but it’s God’s message. You might or might not hear it in church or in your favorite Christian author’s books, but it is the message of God’s singular call on our lives to die to self and live for others. Some may tell you to just say a prayer to ask Jesus into your heart. But it’s so much more than a prayer. Making room in our heart for Jesus is a commitment to follow him, to live – or die – totally for him. It means making room in our hearts for others. It means dying to self to we can fully live in his power and according to his good plan for us. And so, it’s a profound and relevant question as we each search our own heart:
Have I come here to die?
Or have I bought into the marketing scheme that I should live life for all it has to offer to me – my comfort and my pleasure? I read the postings of a number of people whose lives are filled with frustrations. They say, “Life’s too short to not be happy. Avoid anyone who doesn’t contribute to your happiness.” I hope we all find happiness and better yet, lasting joy. It’s the outcome, not the goal, of God’s call on our lives.
I don’t know if you or I will be asked to die for someone else. But we have been commanded to live for them.
‘Have you come here to die?’
