In this world we will have persecutions, in the family, in the workplace, in the church, and in our neighborhood. As Christians we are called to a higher road during these persecutions. When we pass the test of integrity and make the hard choices in the face of difficulties, we grow stronger and God gets the glory, for it is not of ourselves, but Christ that lives in us.
Just the other day while walking on my street, a neighbor's dogs got loose and they ran out of their house right towards me in the street. Three little ankle bitters barking away. Knowing they were pets I tried to calm them down by talking to them as they were barking and all of of sudden one jumped up and bit me on my hand. At that point I started kicking and yelling at them instead of being nice! The owner proceeded to get the dogs under control and then tell me how I should have responded. I said, your dog just bit me! To say I was cordial would be a lie, but I did walk away, after saying she should take better control of her dogs!
In the natural I was tempted to call the police and report the dog, then my anger turned to fear. What if the dog didn't have his shots and I couldn't even remember the last time I had a tetanus shot! My desire was to strike back, but the lingering question in my head was what if that was me and what would Jesus do? Hmmm.....so I decided to sit on it and see how my hand was, and the next day I approached the family and asked for the dog's shot records. After some discussion their records were given and I got a long overdue tetanus shot, and saw it for my own good. In the end I was able to be kinder and not strike out in retribution, even though I was tempted.
How about you? Your spouse yells at you for no good reason, your child lies to you, your colleague talks behind your back trying to make you look bad to your boss, and someone almost causes you to get in a wreck, how do you respond?
Romans 5:3 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience."
JOHN 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
I pray that when the persecutions come and difficulties arise, that we reflect Jesus, being the salt and light for a witness to the difference he makes in our lives, and for our own growth, even when life bites us!
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQqXKzhtBYE
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