Suffering for Christ
“The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify what it does is evil” (John 7:7).
When is the last time you caught any heat at work for standing up for the Word of Jesus? When you explained that Jesus is the only way and the gate is narrow, and that politically correct attitudes towards making room for all religions is missing the gate. Have you risked reputation and even the financial security of your job to reach others? If all men approve of you, what does that really say of your following Jesus? If we are stranger in a strange land, foreigners in a foreign land, what does our fitting in so easily say about our position in Christ?
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him” (John 7:5).
When was the last time you stood up for Jesus and were scorned, rejected, or condemned at church or even at home? Do we risk our reputation or our position in the church for God’s truth? Is our Christian fellowship more about socializing than sharing God’s Word and holding each other accountable? God’s truth is offensive to many, and if we stand for God’s truth certainly not all men will speak well of us—including our family and church members.
Of course, I’m no hero either. I just have more reason to be motivated. Jesus uses the struggles in my finances and marriage—which continually keep me out of my comfort zone—as a reason to move closer to Him. In the insecurities of my own circumstances (whether at home, work, or church) I find increasing security and peace in taking a stand for Jesus. It ain’t glamorous but it is victorious.
