In the late 1800’s Ernest Shackleton, the famous explorer, when he was about to set out on an expedition to the South Pole, put an ad in the London Times, ‘Men wanted for hazardous journey to the South Pole. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.’ In speaking of it afterward he said that so overwhelming was the response to his appeal that it seemed as though all the men of Great Britain were determined to accompany him.” In fact, Shackleton had over 5000 replies to his ad.
We have a tendency in the Western church of Jesus Christ to want to make it easier for people. We’re afraid that the message of Jesus Christ and His call to commitment will put some people off. We put coffee cup holders at the back of the seats, and only brew premium coffee. We make the room warm, but not too warm in case we put people to sleep. The music has to be just right, with perfect sound reproduction. The children’s classrooms have to have enough toys, with no hint of a stain or blemish on any of them. When calling for a commitment, Earnest Shackleton told them that this would not be easy, and only those who were ready to give up their lives for the cause, should apply. He wrote, “safe return doubtful.” This would be a trip of great hardship, with a small wage, bitter cold and long months of darkness. Why then did 5000 men respond to such an advertisement?
I think many are looking for something to give themselves to that would live on after their death. Men need a challenge. Even though there was a possibility of death, out of those 5000 people only 27 were chosen for the trip. Advertisements for young men to join the Marines play on this desire for challenge, commitment, hardship, honor and recognition. I would think that if we could have questioned the 5000 responders, their main motive would have been the same as those that join the Marines, that of the challenge, glory, hardship, and the desire to be part of something that will live on beyond their death. Many today are aware that the future does not look bright for anyone who has a mind to look at what is happening in the world. It will become increasingly dangerous to be a Christian as we approach the end times, yes, even here in America. There will be increasing pressure to compromise your faith and your values. Do not swerve from the path! This is no time to play at Christianity. Eternal things are at stake!
