by Randal Matheny

Their bodies have not yet been recovered. But above the shock and sadness, a pure note rings clear.

NASA's associate administrator for space flight Billy Readdy said the STS-107 crew "was absolutely dedicated to the mission that they were performing."

Shuttle Columbia Physician Cmdr. Dr. Laurel Clark had said, "To me, there's a lot of different things that we do during life that could potentially harm us, and I choose not to stop doing those things."

Shuttle pilot Cmdr. William McCool's mother Audrey said space flight must continue despite the accident that killed her son and six others.

Was it worth the risk? The flight crew was convinced it was. Even family members, in the midst of grief, believe in what their loved ones were doing.

Their courage and dedication to their task inspires us all. Not least Christians who have a heavenly calling to change lives for eternity.

Jesus' example is more inspiring still.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mk. 10:45, NASU).

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

And in Christianity examples abound to inspire us that, indeed, the mission is worth the risk.

"I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls" (2 Cor. 12:15).

"Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us" (1 Thes. 2:8).

As saddened as we are by the deaths of the seven crew members of the space shuttle Columbia, we are emboldened by their commitment to their mission. We are reminded that the mission of Christ exceeds any human undertaking and renew our own dedication to this most noble and worthy efforts.

The work of God is worth any risk, any loss, any suffering.