Love is the motor – the love of Jesus is truly the life-changing element essential in life. Pursuing the change, as has been considered before, brings us into conflict with those who would prefer that change to be diluted, diverted, disrupted and disputed in the desire to leave folks disillusioned.
Not only is that to be expected, there is a something that’s said about our approach to it.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:1-4 ESV)
In the middle of challenging times where the trends of the day appear prevalent, it’s understandable that some would prefer to modify their stance to be more appealing in the eyes of the world. To avoid missing out on some key connections and perks that could come from our engagement with others we tone down certain aspects of the change we’re looking for.
For some there is real threat of what might happen for taking a stand for righteousness. That threat is costly in so many ways, loss of career, reputation, opportunities and even loss of life. Being fearful in that case would only be a natural response. This is where the words of Jesus come through to help remind us how we can see where fear of anything needs to be channelled.
Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:24 ESV)
There is a word of encouragement is to endure unto the end. To keep on keeping on even if the culture decidedly turns against you. Remain faithful under those circumstances even if it appears to impoverish the position.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)
Under trying circumstances it’s good to have something to focus on. The crown of life promised is a very appealing goal to aim for, especially knowing who is giving that crown and where that crown is coming from. In sharing His word to the churches through his apostle John, Jesus had these words for the church in Smyrna.
To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
“‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:8-10 ESV)
Those focused on the First and the Last knows that the one who starts it will endure through everything – the First lasts as do all those who focus on Him. Likewise those who keep their eyes on the one who died and now lives will know they have that hope that even though we die, trust in the Resurrection and the Life gives us a powerful hope.
This is the hope that led many to become martyrs of the faith. This is the hope that kept people going even immense opposition and hostility. It’s that faithful and fearless character that is the means by which the reality of Jesus can burst through bringing the change of lives of those who need it most.
It is not something that’s easy and comes naturally to put into action. Faithfulness and fearlessness is something that is possible only as long as we remain ever dependent and focused on the First and Last, the Resurrection and the Life who has a crown of life that awaits.
Now, dear loving Father, see us as we pursue the change you seek to make on this earth. In the face of trouble and opposition, let your perfect love in us, keep us focused on you and kick out all fear so that we can remain faithful in the end.
(Photo by Karim MANJRA on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 