“Some men can’t be bullied or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.”  —Alfred the Butler

Those words, from last summer’s mega-blockbuster movie The Dark Knight speak of motive. Like me, you may wonder what motivates real terrorists to strap on explosives and self-detonate—blowing up others in acts of terrorism that some call martyrdom.

The writer of Hebrews has a different take on what being a martyr (being killed because of your beliefs, not taking your own life) is all about. He writes of those who died for Christ: “These people earned a good reputation because of their faith” (Hebrews 11:39).

Why a good reputation? Because they refused “to turn from God” (v.35) and accepted death at their persecutors’ hands.

Jesus is the supreme example of a fixed faith that led to ultimate sacrifice. He remained silent and accepted the imminent horrors of crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:63). His goal was life and victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Stephen, a follower of Jesus, spoke words of forgiveness and life even as he died a martyr (Acts 7:60)—imitating his Savior.

These examples define true martyrdom—selfless acts that lead to life. They don’t live to die—they die for life.

These words from Matthew Henry clarify the contrast: “Shall we be most amazed at the wickedness of human nature, that it is capable of such awful cruelties to fellow-creatures, or at the excellence of divine grace, that is able to bear up the faithful under such cruelties, and to carry them safely through all?”

To live and die for Jesus is all about life!