As Stan and I were waiting for Ricky to bring our breakfast orders one morning, Stan asked, “Do you ever think much about Christian persecution?”
“Christian persecution? Not really. Why do you ask?”
“A couple of reasons,” Stan replied. “Earlier this morning in my journaling time, I was focusing on what Jesus said and what Paul wrote about it, as well as how we can avoid it.”
“What’d Jesus say?”
“That if the world hated Him, it will also hate us. And if they persecuted Him, they will persecute us.”
“What about Paul?”
“All who desire to live godly lives in Christ will be persecuted.”
“Wow,” I replied, “hate and persecution. That sounds tough. How can we avoid that?”
“It’s pretty simple,” Stan replied with a smile. “Don’t be a Christian who desires to live a godly life in Christ.”
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Bible verses to be considered:
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18
Remember the word that I said to you, “A slave is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; . . . . John 15:20.
And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity, my life looks like I’m seeking to avoid persecution in that I don’t desire to live a godly life in Christ. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve provided. Help me follow every step of your lead in not only desiring to live a godly life in Christ, but in actually doing it. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Can you seek to live a godly life in Christ because you’ve accepted His finished work on the cross and have life with God? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with desiring to live a godly life in Christ? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need, not only to have the life Jesus came to give, but what does He know you need to live a godly life in Christ? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?