" Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
- Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)
At the end of my life I have to give an account to God, not my social media account. When you decide to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, then you become a target but what matters is showing love and truth.
I was watching an episode of the old Knight Rider " Custom Made Killer " on Netflix and it thrilled me that the themes we were talking about in our bible study on Wednesday showed up in this episode - that's when you know God is talking...hahah. In the episode Michael Knight stands up for some small business owners, and his life was threatened by a white collar crook who hired a hit man to take him out . If you choose to stand up for what's right then you become a target. The devil will start attacking you, just be aware that standing against evil, is not a walk in the park. It can be scary, but hold on to the word of God, and the promises made by Jesus, because they win the battle.
Jesus said, “...no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:29,NIV)
In this passage Jesus promises us a gain of people, and possessions but with persecutions when we put the gospel first. We might leave homes, and family for his sake, but we gain a hundred times when we sacrifice what we desire for the kingdom. Leaving homes, and family seems like a harsh thing, but this is the same sacrifice military members make when they join the armed forces. Military members often leave homes, and family in order to protect country, but in that they also gain a family and benefits through the service.
Another promise is found in John 16:33 where Jesus says,“ In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”Jesus didn't promise us an easy life on earth, but he did promise that we would have peace in him. So when the storms of life are raging, find yourself taking rest in the words of Jesus because they are true and trustworthy. It is the truth that will set you free (see John 8:31).
So with that said, strap on your boots and stomp on the devil by sacrificing ego, human pride, and selfish-gain - be willing to suffer in order to do good. Remember those who are suffering, and suffer with them through prayer, and using your voice to advocate for them. Yes, we may lose followers by following Christ, but we gain a life of meaning and fulfillment forevermore.
Learn more about persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, and how we can advocate for them at: https://www.persecution.com/iamn/
Blessings,
Malan Jones
Invoke the Mighty Warrior! (Jeremiah 29:11)