“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” — II Timothy 3:12 NKJV
I see the book of Timothy as a pastoral book where Paul, an old man by then, was teaching Timothy, a young pastor, about practical things to do and note in this eternal life we have in Christ Jesus.
Persecution isn’t preventive in Christ. It’s necessary, although it’s not God-manufactured. Why? Because God uses them to test our faith as His children.
Paul faced a lot of persecution as he was fulfilling the Great Commission, which is preaching the gospel, in several cities. As he was listing them, in 2 Timothy 3:10-11, he concluded in verse 12 that anybody who desires to live godly in Christ Jesus would suffer persecution. That means there can be believers who may choose to live godless lives to escape persecution. Look at the life of Esau. He decided to sell his birthright because of his inability to suffer hunger to preserve the fatherly blessing upon firstborns. Because of this attitude, the Bible called him godless (Hebrews 12:16).
Choosing to skip persecution by living as an enemy to the cross of Christ may give you earthly benefits (because you may not suffer some persecutions), but in the end, you’ll live a wasted life before God. Your record in eternity is more important than your temporary earthly life filled with comfort.
Christianity isn’t a problem-free realm of life. However, there is Jesus, who’s the anchor of our souls, who is perfect in comforting and delivering us from every trouble we encounter, including the ones we cause by our own ignorance.
Choose to suffer persecution because of Jesus. Choose to face struggles because of what you’re called to do because God will deliver you. In addition to that, your database of good works in heaven’s books will grow fast because of your kingdom exploits. The crown of life isn’t for lazy Christians but workers of divine purpose in Christ. The Lord is with you. Press on in faith.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Lord God, I pray that You’ll strengthen me to suffer persecution as I fulfil my divine mandate foreordained before I appeared on the earth. Give me foresight in every situation I find myself in so that I’ll be able to connect each happening to Your purpose for my life in the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 277
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