When we think of revolutionaries, we envision individuals who believe in a cause so deeply that they are willing to die for it. This level of conviction is admirable and prompts us to take notice.
We are likely familiar with the quote from Nathan Hale: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Hale believed in individual liberty to such an extent that he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve it. An early American patriot, he was captured and executed for espionage and conspiring against the British government, epitomizing sacrifice in the pursuit of something greater.
We admire this dedication, and from Hale’s quote, we can glean several important insights: 1) he genuinely believed in his motivations and purpose, and 2) he would do it all again if given the chance. Living life without regret is a powerful concept, especially when our choices lead us to an untimely end.
I often reflect on this idea in relation to the Christian walk. Everyone will die someday. The pivotal question remains: Will we regret our life choices when our final day arrives? The writer of Hebrews encourages his audience to persevere and confront humanity’s weakness and tendency to quit.
In Hebrews 12:3–4 (ESV), we read: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”
The author presents two truths about perseverance and conviction. First, we should consider Jesus, who is our greatest example. He is, after all, the author and perfecter of our faith. Second, we recognize that hostility arises from sin and the sinners who conduct it. On the battlefield of life, we must be mindful of which side we stand on. This text is clear it was sinful humanity that put Jesus on the cross, our sins nailed him to the tree. However, the emphasis here is that, in our resistance to sin, we have not yet been called to shed our blood.
What are our convictions? Would you be willing to shed your own blood for the sake of your beliefs? Are you prepared to endure for those beliefs? This is precisely the point the author of Hebrews emphasizes. The question now is whether we would be willing to resist sin with the same determination. Would I be willing to endure the hostility of this world, as I oppose the evils around me?
Too often, we give in to sin, convincing ourselves that it’s acceptable: “It’s okay,” “No one is perfect,” “Better luck next time.” The truth is that we rarely fully resist. We cave in, give in, and acquiesce. Our message today is a call to never give in and to be resolute in our beliefs. Nathan Hale quipped about having one life to lose; we should come to the realization that we only have one life to live.