Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed 2 Timothy 3:12-14 (ESV)
Persecution is inevitable for anyone who desires to follow after Christ Jesus. Whether that come in the form of physical torture as is the case of many dear Christians around the world or it be a psychological, societal persecution. Persecution comes in addition to all the trials and tribulations that we face because we are living in a broken world. Persecution is the direct attacks that come when we stand for the truth of the gospel and the principles laid out in the Bible. Here in the United States, at least for the most part at this time; it is the psychological, societal persecution. It creeps into our sensitive hearts of love; because, we certainly don’t want to offend others. We coil back and compromise the truth, thinking that perhaps by doing so we might blend in better to win others to Christ. Then, as we compromise and blend in; Christ is no longer seen. How do we stand for Christ in a Gracious, loving way? That is what we must learn and that is precisely what Paul exemplified in his life and now urged Timothy to follow.
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured 2 Timothy 3:10 (ESV)
We need to stand for Christ, unashamed of speaking the truth; yet, do so with love. We must always be aware of the Grace which we have been given. As much as is possible, I must first strive to live an example of grace and love; while, not compromising on my convictions of what the Bible teaches. Still, each day I must evaluate my own words and actions. Sometimes for me the “standing on truth” becomes hard when I recall all my own frailties and sins. I fear that I would be seen as only a hypocrite. Yet, remembering my own frailties allows me to see each soul as someone in need of God’s love and Grace. Instead of causing me to run from the truth; it should give me strength to stand on the truth of redemption through Jesus Christ.
It is not an act of love to not speak the truth of the gospel. Jeremiah was a prophet from the Old Testament who had to speak truth to the people of Israel for having sinned against God. He watched as his people had turned their backs on truth. It had begun with compromising the laws of God which lead to a nation of people who worshipped false “gods.” To speak out the truth and to truly open his own eyes to see the truth of what was happening was a very sorrowful thing for Jeremiah.
Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous; but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it. My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the Lord: Jeremiah 10:19-20
We, who desire to follow after Christ, must understand that yes, we are in grievous times. We cannot put on blinders and run to hide from the truth. We must with heavy hearts pray for our nation and for all those dear Christians around the world who are suffering persecution for their faith.
Here in the United States of America, we must be willing to stand up for Religious Liberties before they all slip from our hands. We are not to do it with anger or hostility; but, we must stand firm, uncompromising. We must reach out generous hands in love and grace. To do so, we must pray for the strength and wisdom that only God can give us. We must repent of our own sins and the sins of our nation.
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (ESV)
Of all the men in this political turmoil we are in, I believe Governor Mike Pence is presenting the example we as Christians should emulate. Mike Pence said on MSNBC, “My faith teaches two things. Number one is that we try to live up to a godly standard in our life. And we speak truth when people don’t reflect that. But secondly, the other part of my faith is grace. I believe in redemption. I believe in second chances.”
[bctt tweet=”Let each & every Christian vow to face persecution with uncompromising truth mingled with Grace” username=”effiedarlene”].
[bctt tweet=”We must begin by diligently seeking God with all our hearts through prayer” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]With broken and contrite hearts let us pray for our nation[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Whatever turmoil we may face we can trust God-His Plan, His Way no matter what comes” username=”effiedarlene”]
Photo courtesy of: https://unsplash.com/@benwhitephotography
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.