The Life and Ministry of Jesus
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11–12
It is not easy to be a dedicated Christian. Our society is not a friend to God nor to God’s people. Whether we like it or not, there is conflict between us and the world. Why? Because we are different from the world and we have different attitudes. As we read the Beatitudes, we find that they represent an outlook radically different from that of the world.
The world praises pride, not humility. The world endorses sin, especially if you “get away with it.” The world is at war with God, while God is seeking to reconcile His enemies and make them His children. We must expect to be persecuted if we are living as God wants us to live. 1
Personal Encouragement
I think it is vitally important to develop a biblical world view. This is done by making God’s Word a priority. Study and know His Word. It speaks to all critical decisions of life. It also means never letting the media form and forge your opinions. We are not to be conformed by the culture, but conformed by Christ and His redeeming Cross. We will be transformed by the renewing of our mind, and walking in the Spirit.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
A change life in Christ changes a culture to think about the Grace of God.
A Prayer
Lord, thank you for Your sustaining grace that underwrites the spiritual insults of others.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
