If I tend animals, I fence them in.  If I want to herd them, I must go to where they are.  If I travel by foot there might appear a fence I must cross.  To cross the fence is not enough.  I must continue on to my destination.

Where is the threshold of salvation?  For the thief on the cross, it was his confession.  For Stephen, it was a life lived in the fullness of the Spirit.  Let us not reflect on the threshold.  Let us not rest, either atop nor just the other side of the fence.  Far too many consider minimum sufficient.  Few pursue the fullness of their calling.

Let each man consider his own journey in the Lord.  How far have you traveled from the moment of your own salvation?  How far are you willing to travel still?  When we reach the end, we will have reached the end.  Will you truly be satisfied at the distance you were willing to travel for His sake?

I present this so that we all might consider the cost.  We do not consider the cost once and then endure.   It is a continual and daily considering that provokes a fruitful tree for the Lord.  Is He worthy of such “upward movement”?  Judge for yourself, this journey you’ve been taking.  Look to the end and consider His testimony of the work you allowed Him to accomplish within you.  How much more can be done by Him if you are simply willing to travel a little further?