Focus
Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.
Read
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (NRSV)
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.
Reflect
Persecution still exists. We in the United States don’t face physical persecution like our brothers and sisters living in other parts of the world do, but we do face a changing tide culturally. More and more, references to Christ and Christianity are being pushed out of the public arena.
There is a strong insinuation that one should leave their Christianity at home or church and not bring it with them into the “real world.” I find that is the exact opposite of what scripture shows us. I can’t imagine Paul, a tent maker, just chatting about the latest in tent design while at work. Paul’s faith was foundational to who he was. You can’t separate one from the other.
Being a Christian is a full-time job. You can’t just turn it off and on at will. I find the guiding principles of the scriptures to be just that—a guidebook. Whenever I’ve strayed outside those guidelines, things didn’t go so well.
Stay true to your faith. Read God’s Word—learn it, live it. That way you will at least have the road map to follow. You will fall short. You will be tempted. You may be taunted. You may feel persecuted—but you are loved by God. Always.
Pray
Lord, we ask your protection for those who are in physical danger for your sake. Give us the strength to stand for you even when it isn’t the popular thing to do. Help us not only to talk the talk, but walk the walk. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Go with God.
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