A lifelong learner. That’s what I try to be. And I have so much to learn! Sometimes I feel that the smartphone I carry around with me is secretly laughing at me! That phone and other ever-changing technologies compel me to be that lifelong learner, whether I want to or not. I know I can’t learn everything, but my life can be greatly enriched and inspired as I gain knowledge and, hopefully, some wisdom.

One of my privileges is to work with media leaders and faithful Christ-followers in over 40 countries. And each person in each country and culture enriches my life. In fact, many are my heroes…and I learn much from being with them.

So many of those we serve through MEDIAlliance… and you may be in this group… serve in hard places, facing government challenges and cultural pushback for their work in Christian media. Yet you stand fast. You are teaching many of us what it means to stay committed to the cause of Christ even in the face of adversity.

German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one who stood his ground against great odds…and it ultimately cost Bonhoeffer his life. Prior to his death, this Christian leader…who stood strong in the midst of overwhelming moral compromise in his land…wrote this:

“Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God—the responsible man, who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God. Where are these responsible people?”

A good question. Where are these responsible people?

Yes, Bonhoeffer’s stand on his allegiance to Christ resulted in his tragic death. But Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood that God changes tribulation to glory. He believed just as the Apostle Paul did, who told the Christ-followers in Colossae:

We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

Colossians 1:11 MSG

Strength that endures the unendurable…and spills over into joy. That is quite a challenge…and quite a calling. Thank you who serve so faithfully for teaching me about commitment. May my lifelong learning surpass just the technical or the interesting things of life. May it focus more on learning how to serve our Lord Jesus, proclaiming His Name and His hope to a lost and hopeless world, and do it with great joy. Our example is Jesus…

…the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hebrews 12:2 NLT

Throughout this entire year, may the Lord give us new vision, new insight, new resolve, and new commitment to serve the One who endured the cross so that we might have hope and life eternal with Him. And may our Heavenly Father count each of us among those who stand fast!

God’s best,