Persecution is Real

Greetings my fellow disciples and family in Christ. Once again, I pray that all is well with you. Today's focus touches on our desire to live godly lives. With that comes a word that many in contemporary Christendom work hard to avoid.

Persecution.

In 2 Timothy 3:12, the Bible says, "Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (KJV).

Let's face it. We live in a world that hates Christ. The world hates Christians. So, living in this hostile environment—a place that isn't our final home, by the way—what makes disciples believe that persecution will never drive down their street?

It hunts us.

It stalks us.

True disciples are to deny themselves and to follow Jesus—it's the first rule of discipleship (cf. Matt 16:24–28; Mark 8:34–38; Luke 9:22–27). When we desire to live godly in an ungodly world, we should expect resistance.

Remember, the servant is not greater than his/her Lord. So, if they hated Jesus, they will hate us. In that, do not deny Him....because we do not want Him to deny us (cf. Matt. 10:32–33; Matt. 7:21–23).

Be encouraged.

Go Hard.