02092025 Counting the Cost

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our great Savior whom we serve.

I have no idea why, but recently I was thinking about the signers of the US Declaration of Independence. It was no light thing to sign such a document. The fifty-six men who signed were aware of the risks associated with their treasonous act. They signed anyway, with this commitment: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

Those were not empty words. Five of the signers were captured as traitors and were tortured. Twelve had their homes destroyed. Nine died either in battle or in deprivation during the Revolutionary War. Two had sons killed in battle, and two had sons captured. Businesses and fortunes were lost through seizure and destruction. Some of the men lived on the run, separated from family, and their families also suffered.

Signing that document carried known risk. One man had his own way of boldly accepting that risk. John Hancock signed his name in over-sized fashion, stating something to the effect that “King George ought to be able to see that!” His action and statement revealed that he was deliberately and unapologetically making a choice.

Christians have made similar choices through the years. I am reminded of the early church. After healing a lame man and bolding preaching the gospel, Peter and John were brought before the high priest for questioning. Peter gave a clear defense: “Be it known unto you all … that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10).

Peter did not hesitate to declare unpopular and dangerous truth. “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:11-12).

Peter and John knew the danger of such boldness. They knew the risk in serving Christ. When they were threatened, they signed their John Hancock, making a bold and deliberate statement: “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

Did they suffer the consequences? Yes, just as many believers and faithful servants of God have done ever since. Was it worth it? Oh, yes. The mission of Christianity is far more important than the independence of the United States of America, and it has had far greater impact on the world. Serving such a mission is worth the inherent risk.

Like many faithful servants before you, you have willingly and boldly signed up to serve God. That does not mean the seeking of unnecessary risk. “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Nevertheless, it is a conscious decision, taking into account the potential difficulties, counting the cost. Is bold obedience without fear? Probably not, but it relies on an ever-present Savior who relieves those fears. “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

We do not seek danger, and most of us do not thrive on risk. We pray for those elements to be limited. My prayer for you is that to whatever extent you do face risks, dangers, and opposition, that God will be with you to encourage, to strengthen, to protect, so that you can continue forward in your bold and willing service to Christ.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA