Facing Persecution

In fact, everyone who wants to live in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

2 Timothy 3:12



I find myself sometimes shying from this subject because it's too hard to handle, don't we all? This scripture is saying that if indeed we wholeheartedly pursue God, we will indeed be persecuted. That means when your friends are cursing up a storm and you are'nt you'll sometimes be persecuted. That means if all your friends are going to this jumpin party and you arent, you might be persecuted. That means if everything you do seems to contradict what your friends are doing because of your convictions, more than likely you'll be persecuted. I won't lie many times i have failed God and cracked under pressure because of the fear of losing a friends respect or even their friendship, but scripture also says:

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5: 11,12



When we focus on what matters the most, all the things here on earth start to become less meaningful because of our focus on God. It's almost a state of mind you develop when you're constantly in the word of God. Sometimes I have to sit back and really ask myself, " If i am effectively serving Christ, shouldn't I be falling under some of this persecution?", because ill be honest, there are countless times where ive been made fun of or teased about my faith... but never have i suffered outright persecution because of it. It is our jobs ( especially my generation) as followers of christ to in a sense " push ourselves" spiritually, there is always more we can do to glorify our God and bring his message to the lost!