Christians, to this day, still face persecution and mockery from non-believers, those dead in the spirit who have not yet seen the joy that only the Lord can pour upon them. This often intimidates us and causes us to fade into the background and not disclose to many our beliefs. So what if they call me a Jesus freak? That’s right, I love Jesus and I am a Jesus freak! Just remember the reward you have waiting for you if you remain faithful. But we are not to fear men.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
-Matthew 10:28
I know sometimes there might be that urge to say that you are not a believer. The students at Columbine who were shot for their belief in God can be an inspiration to others. They knew they were in danger but chose to continue to pray and confess their belief when asked by the shooters if they believed in God, only to be shot. We cannot deny Jesus to the world. We will be punished for it.
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also
acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him
before my Father in heaven.”
-Matthew 10:32
Most of us do not face the possibility of death for our belief. All we face is mocking, which is nothing in comparison. We should be proud to bear this mockery for believing in something good and holy.
“Do not be surprised at the painful trials you are suffering,
as though something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so
that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because
of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the spirit of glory
and of God rests on you…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do
not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that name…”
-1 Peter :12-16
“So, do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,…but join with me in
suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has
saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but
because of his own purpose and grace…yet I am not ashamed, because
I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able
to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”
-2 Timothy 1:8-12
We need to persevere through these moments. They are just trials and with God guiding us we are safe. How much greater our life in Heaven will be! All we have to do is live by God’s word and have faith in him that we will have everlasting life. How much more grace can there be? He has an abundance of grace for you and for me. No other man can give you the same grace or the same love. The scoffers are just men and cannot give you salvation.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves
also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered
in his body is done with sin.”
-1 Peter 4:1
Now mind you, this does not mean that we are no longer sinners or perfect. For it is even said:
“Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law;
rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”
-Romans 3:20
All that means is it is God’s discipline for our earthly body to remain faithful and obedient.
“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will
should commit themselves to their
faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
-1 Peter 4:19
So, remember, there will always be those who choose to mock believers of God. But, don’t let them distract you and keep you back from living a holy life and spreading God’s word.
“In the last times there will be scoffers…
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy
faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s
love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord
Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”
-Jude 18-21
Is what one man says on Earth more important to you than what God has in store for you? Will you give up eternal life just because you want to be accepted here on earth? Jesus was not accepted; therefore the world will not accept you. But you always have a friend in Jesus and in fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the body and need each other to build up one another. We were not placed on this earth to please those who love the world but rather to live for God and earn a place in heaven.
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"
-Hebrews 13:6
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