In 2 Timothy, Paul is writing to Timothy while being imprisoned by the Roman Emperor Nero. He was quite sure he was not ever going to be free again, and was giving Timothy guidance on continuing his mission.
In 2 Timothy 4:3,4, he tells Timothy, “For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says, but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.”
I think if you look around at events in our present day, Paul’s words could easily apply to modern times.
In verse 5 he tells Timothy what to do. “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
This guidance applies to us as well as it did to Timothy. We need to stand steady and not be afraid of suffering for the Lord. For us, that suffering is not imprisonment or torture, it is likely to only be the “embarrassment” of believing in Biblical teaching, Christian values, and living them.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the words of Paul, encouraging us to hold to your values and beliefs. Help us stand steady, fearless in our faithful Christian lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box
I praise God for this timely message. As you say, the repercussions of standing for our faith here in America is usually less severe. However, even in Christian circles.. the battle cry to go deeper in our walk with Christ to seek a closer walk…that ventures beyond the status quo of just attending church and having weekly Bible study and polite conversation that doesn’t go beyond the surface..can enlist a “bravery” you thought you would never have to muster…and yet with the help of God…I am there. Thank you for today’s meditation. It is my Clarion call!
I pray that the Good Lord gives us the grace to be fearless the ability to stand firm on his world and in the end inherit his kingdom Amen.