Words of Life: An Enduring LegacySample

Legacy: when the going gets tough.

In the 1980s, the personnel department in my territory sought a new strapline for Salvation Army officer recruitment – something attention-grabbing, memorable and compelling enough to make prospective candidates consider lifelong ministry. What did they come up with? ‘It’s the longest, hardest, most difficult job in the Army. Could you be an officer?’

It doesn’t sound like the most inviting offer, does it? Yet in today’s reading, Jesus presents his disciples with a similarly stark reality: ‘The world hated me and so it will hate those who follow me.’ It hardly seems like a persuasive recruitment pitch. But Jesus wants all his followers – not just Salvation Army officers – to understand that continuing his work in the world isn’t the easy option. It’s not that we should go out of our way to be disliked or despised by others, but rather that living in the ways of Jesus – walking and speaking truth – will inevitably challenge the status quo. Following Jesus comes at a cost.

I once heard it said, ‘The right thing to do isn’t always the easy thing, and the easy thing isn’t always the right thing.’ Each day, as disciples of Jesus, we face choices that may invite criticism or hurt our popularity ratings at work, in our families or within our communities. Yet Jesus doesn’t leave us to struggle alone. Immediately after these verses, he makes a promise: ‘I will send you the Advocate – the Spirit of truth’ (John 15:26 NLT). Though following Jesus can be tough, the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to strengthen us in our weakness.

What difficult choices do I have to make today to follow Jesus faithfully?