Have you noticed the precipitous rise in sanctimonious hand-wringing by those of us who go by the name Christian. We’re so worried! Everyone is turning against us. No one likes us anymore. The President loves the Muslims and we are ignored. All our rights are being taken away. “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go eat worms!” We sound like a collective chorus of Linda Rondstadt’s “Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me!”
I would suggest it may be time to pay attention to the Biblical injunction found in 1 Corinthians 16:13: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
AWRIGHT!!!! I can hear someone growling. It’s about time someone told us to buck up and fight back. Well, before you think that’s what I’m suggesting, let me clarify. I am not suggesting that it’s time for Christians to fight, at least not in physical, personal or political terms. The fight is a spiritual one. As you know, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
What I am recommending is that we remind ourselves of what the Scripture has promised us as followers of Jesus Christ.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
2Tim. 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Why do you think Jesus warned us to count the cost (Luke 14:25-35) before surrendering our lives to Him? Why is being a disciple of Jesus Christ becoming a “cross-carrier” (Luke 9:23)? Because He didn’t promise us a rose garden. Rather, He promised that He, the Rose of Sharon, would be with us in our trials and that we would be blessed if we are persecuted for His name’s sake.
Matt. 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 5:11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Peter added:
1Pet. 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
1Pet. 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1Pet. 3:16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Christian, stop bemoaning the fact that Jesus’ promise to you is coming true. Be ready to live in a way that exemplifies Christ and exalts His name in the midst of very difficult times. And always, ALWAYS, remember that “these momentary light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory!” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Be steadfast, ya’ll!
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3 comments:
"MLA, MLA, MLA" - my thoughts when life gets 'tough'. Momentary light afflictions.
Right On!
Amen! Unfortunately so much of what is coming out of "Christianity" today is more along the lines of the health, wealth and prosperity "gospel". I'm amazed at how many church people that I have encountered here in Ft. Wayne believe that if you're a Christian everything should be sunshine and roses. That is so contrary to what the Bible teaches. True joy comes from knowing that even in times of difficulty and trial, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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