Giving In is Not an Option
Being a Christian is very difficult. Living the Christian life in a world that is getting farther and farther from the Lord guarantees tribulations.(Luke 21:16-19) It is very unpleasant to be rejected by family and friends. No one sets out to be a martyr for Christ. However, giving in is not an option. Christ is Lord, and we do what He says. Period! Some of us will be called on to die for Him.
What is the lesson for us in all of this? "By your patience possess your souls." Perseverance is the sign of a true believer. The one who looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. Remember Lot's wife. Faith is forever and always. It is not something we turn off and on. It is not something that peters out. We do not give up or give in, because Christ is our all. He is worthy of our total devotion in the midst of rejection by family, friends, and authorities. In fact, when we are confronted for our faith, it gives us an opportunity to be a witness. Just think what it says to unbelievers, when we will not compromise the truth or give in to the world.
We will not be loved by everyone when we are a disciple of Jesus. In fact, there will be times, when everyone around us will hate us. The main thing is that Christ accepts us, and He will not let one hair of our heads be lost. Yes, we may die here. They may cut off our entire head, but we will awake in heaven whole and complete for eternity. That is why we never give in.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 24 and John 1-3.
What is the lesson for us in all of this? "By your patience possess your souls." Perseverance is the sign of a true believer. The one who looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. Remember Lot's wife. Faith is forever and always. It is not something we turn off and on. It is not something that peters out. We do not give up or give in, because Christ is our all. He is worthy of our total devotion in the midst of rejection by family, friends, and authorities. In fact, when we are confronted for our faith, it gives us an opportunity to be a witness. Just think what it says to unbelievers, when we will not compromise the truth or give in to the world.
We will not be loved by everyone when we are a disciple of Jesus. In fact, there will be times, when everyone around us will hate us. The main thing is that Christ accepts us, and He will not let one hair of our heads be lost. Yes, we may die here. They may cut off our entire head, but we will awake in heaven whole and complete for eternity. That is why we never give in.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 24 and John 1-3.