Taking Some Flak
Theme of the Week: A Spiritual Workout
Crawford W. Loritts Jr
Thursday, April 15, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: "God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God" (Matthew 5:10). Bonus Reading:Matthew 5:10–12
I have a friend who served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. I will always remember him telling me this: "You know you're flying over the right target when you're being shot at." That statement reminds me of one way we can know we're living the Christian life the way it's supposed to be lived—persecution. When we live for Christ we will be targeted.
Being a Christian is mostly acceptable in our culture. But that acceptability ends when our faith actually impacts how we live and talk. It's hard to think of being insulted and mistreated as being a blessing, but Jesus tells us not to despair because suffering for Him puts us in good company.
That company includes a host of prophets who have endured persecution before us. This distinguished company also includes Jesus Himself, who, though He was completely innocent of any wrongdoing, was persecuted to the point of being hung on a cross to die a humiliating, agonizing death on our behalf.
Nobody enjoys being ridiculed, mocked, or abused. But when that happens as a result of our stand for Jesus Christ, we know we're on target.
—Crawford W. Loritts Jr. in Lessons from a Life Coach
My Response: Have I ever felt like I was being shot at simply because I'd taken a stand for Christ?
Thought to Apply: Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer (German pastor and theologian)
Adapted from Lessons from a Life Coach (Moody, 2001) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click
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Lord, give me power to live a disciplined spiritual life that will keep our relationship strong.
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