[:en]In Rome, there were popular games of death. The Roman citizens enjoyed seeing Christians being fed to the lions. They also had games of gladiators watching them kill each other. One day, Telemachus, a desert monk came to see the game. He was unable to tolerate the bloodlust of this popular pastime. He cried out for violence to stop the tragic sport by jumping out of the crowd in bold attempt to keep the gladiators from killing each other. But he was stoned to death instead. When Emperor Honorius heard about his courageous act, he ordered an end to the games.
Apostle Paul also risked his life for Christ. He was flogged severely, exposed to death, beaten with rods, and stoned. He experienced shipwreck, hunger, thirst, cold, naked, danger from rivers, bandits, countrymen, Gentiles, false brothers, in the city and at sea. He had labored and often went without sleep. (2 Cor. 11:22-33) But he had invested his life for honor that will last forever.
A life that is lived for Christ is seed for eternity. Are you trading any eternal values for convenience and comfort?
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