What We Have To Do

I have been so inspired this week by a quote that I received from a friend in North Carolina regarding Tertullian...

Tertullian of Carthage, an early Christian theologian and moralist, was also the pastor of a church in North Africa about 200 years after Jesus Christ was born. Many historians recount the story where some of Tertullian’s church members tried to justify their burning incense to pagan gods as they entered their workplace. They told Tertullian “even though we are Christians, we won’t really honor pagan gods.”

Tertullian asked, “Why would you do that?”

The people said, “Because we have to work to buy food to eat!”

Tertullian then asked “Why do you have to eat?”

They replied with astonishment “Because we have to live.”

Tertullian, who had been converted to Christianity by witnessing the uncompromising courage of Christian martyrs, looked at them and said, “No! You don’t have to work, or eat and you don’t have to live. The only thing you have to do is be faithful.”

All I can say is "Amen!"