When Paul wrote of Timothy to the Philippians, he said, "But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father." (2:22)
Christianity has taken on a nebulous form in modern America. It has something to do with grace, perhaps, and maybe joy, but often requires nothing of us other than perhaps a Sunday. For Christ and his early followers, Christianity was about far more than that: it was about proven worth. As Romans 5 would say,
"We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope." The truest hope requires proven character. It requires the sacrifice in daily life. It requires pushing past the comfort zone and being bold to others about our faith in Christ. Let's do it!
"For the entire Law is fulfilled in in this one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."—Gal 5:14