A Living Sacrifice?

This note was found in the pocket of a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, following his martyrdom:

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made--I'm a disciple of his. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my presence makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfted goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in his presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander in the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until he comes, give until I drop, preach till all I know, and work till he stops me. And when he comes for his own, he will have no problem recognizing me...my banner will be clear!

The question I contemplate is do I love Christ this much? Would I lay my life down on His behalf? Am I living my life in such a way that my banner is clearly visible? Am I hiding or compromising any part of my life? If I'm honest, I've got a ways to go--a long way. But boy, do I relish in the thought that the Lord is not done with me yet. How exciting, honoring, and yet oh so humbling, to know He is ever so persistent in making me more like His precious Son. Oh, can there be anything more beautiful: to resemble the glory of God, to live fully and unapologetic for Him?