For the sake of the call

How far do you go in following your convictions? What would you give up?
What if it meant risking your life. Many people would automatically say sure, I would do that! I don't want that simple answer, I want you to look honestly into yourself. Put yourself in a situation and think about your reaction.
What if God said "Go to such and such country and teach for me". You know that in that country people who teach about God are often sentenced to death. Would you still go? Would you take your children along? What would be some of the things you would consider first? Finances? Living conditions? How strongly would these affect your decision in what you will do?
What if it was a bit more simple? A change of churches, a move, a bit of a paycut, you wouldn't be able to afford things like your daughter's ballet class you promised her. Then what?
What if simply meant being more embarassed than you want to be? What the call was to go in the grocery store and strike up a conversation with a stranger about God?
It is kinda funny how quick people will say that they would die for the sake of God's call to them, but wouldn't even strike up a conversation with a stranger in the grocery store.
Why is that? It's wonderful to be willing to die for God, but usually it isn't part of the call. We can be heros of the faith without making a name for ourselves among Christians by playing the part of a martyr. What's more, following your call in a grocery store and following your call to go to a hostile country...neither wins you more bonus points with God, do they?
So...is what you accomplish important, or is the obedience itself where pleasing God comes in?
Just a few roaming, rambling thoughts and questions.
Gina