Pelagius' choice

If you were offered the best this world can give – perhaps a new car or condo, a lucrative career, expensive clothes, or the latest electronics – would you accept it if the cost was rejecting Christ?

In A.D. 925, a teenager named Pelagius in Spain was given this very ultimatum. When Pelagius’ uncle was detained by the Muslim caliph (king), Pelagius was also held hostage. One day, the caliph called for Pelagius and offered him the best the world could give – freedom, royal privileges, safety. There was a catch: denying Christ.

It was a tempting offer. But Pelagius replied, “All that means nothing to me. A Christian I have been, am, and will continue to be.” For his refusal to deny his faith, Pelagius was brutally tortured and killed.

For you, following Christ likely won’t result in torture or death. But your faith will cost you something – “missing out” on certain activities or pursuits, facing rejection from family and friends, or enduring ridicule and scorn.

In those moments, remember Pelagius. He had the option of taking the easier road, but he fixed his eyes on his true identity: “A Christian I have been, am, and will continue to be.” He knew that a relationship with Jesus is better than anything this world can give.

This story was originally posted on our youth and young adult site, ThirteenThree.ca. Thirteen Three’s mission is to empower and impassion young adults to be bound with their persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ through praying, giving, writing, and telling others. To learn more, visit our Thirteen Three website.