One thing that all Christians will have to deal with one way or another is persecution. This can come from somebody who flat out rebukes us for our beliefs in Jesus. In the moment of this happening, it can sting. It can also cause some people to rethink their beliefs And that is where I would like to clarify on both situations. When we know for a surety that our beliefs are Biblically sound, then running from those beliefs is running from God Himself. However, if a person rebukes us for any false belief, we should consider what they have to say in order to know if we are in the faith or not. The truth of the matter is that the majority of people that say they believe in Jesus have some sort of false belief that needs to be corrected by God. This can happen through Christians that God sends our way. We can even be that person that God wants to use for His kingdom. We can either be an asset for God and His mission on earth or be a deterrent. And if we are a deterrent now and not for God because our sinful ways and false beliefs, then God may send a Christian our way to wake us up that we may repent. Who likes to know that they are wrong? People in the world don’t, but people of God do. This is what separates us from the wicked. God is our teacher, while people are the teachers of the unsaved. You have heard people say they follow and learn from individuals more so than God. This is a big red flag.
Speaking of persecution for those that are truly for Jesus, God said the following. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12) There are blessings for those who endure in their faith in Jesus. This is so important to do once we know in our hearts that God has saved us. However, for people who are lifted up in their pride, false beliefs, and their sins, God has sent us to help them know the truth. We are told to “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:2-5) Therefore, be on your toes, for many false beliefs sound so enticing, although they are so evil. Read the Bible daily and pray often that You may know, believe, and teach what is from God. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for becoming my teacher. The words that come from the Bible are a lamp unto my feet. I also love to pray and have You speak to me in these times I am in Your presence. I love Your ways, Jesus. I know that many times I have failed You and I am so sorry. Many times I have said and done things that I regret and I pray for Your forgiveness. My wife is a wonderful example of helping me know when I falter in life. Thank You for sending her to me. Truly, the people You have placed in my life, including my beautiful children, are a blessing. You have saved me from a life of sin and now it is so simple to see how much You have blessed me up to this point. Lord, thank You for pulling me out of my own false beliefs, while leading me to know You and Your ways. I was not always for You, but that has changed. The darkness has been scattered and now all I see if Your abundant light. Continue to fill me up with the Holy Spirit. Lead me to people who are ready to receive You, Jesus, for salvation. I don’t know where these people are that I need to talk to, but You do. I want every lost person to experience You and Your truth. You have changed me from the inside out and if You can do this for me, You can do this for anyone who puts their trust in You. Only You could do this, while leading me from false teachers and prophets and to You alone for salvation. I love You, Lord. I give You praise. Amen.