The Daily Guide
Hermits or Heroes?
Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them
2 Timothy 3:14 - NKJV
In an angry, hurtful and evil world what was Paul's counsel? Was it withdraw? No, it was continue! His counsel was to counteract the world's impact by continuing in the good things you've learned of Christ. The New Testament does not call you to personal victory by isolation but instead victory through Christ even while surrounded by this present world.
When adversity comes do you go to pieces like a child or rise up to meet it in the stature of Christ? The prime indicator of how much you've grown in Christ is how well you manage yourself when faced by adversity. By adversity I mean circumstances that look like they're militating against you and people who look like they want to make your life a misery. Such adversity is as tribulation and a trial to you. How are you to deal with it in such a way as to have personal victory in Christ? You have to draw on your inner well-spring of joy. You have to follow Jesus' exhortation, "Be of good cheer!" You have to follow Paul and Silas' example and, even in the dark of dungeon, celebrate God in song. Eph.4:13-15, Prov.24:10, Act.16:25-26
Do you want a dramatic liberation from oppression like Paul and Silas experienced? If you do then do as they did! In spite of their tribulation they rejoiced in Christ. Do you rejoice when experiencing tribulation? Your answer will depend on how practiced you are at drawing up the joy that Christ has put within you. None of us get ten out of ten for rejoicing like that. However, if you want to know an enduring personal victory in this life then it's something you have to seriously work on. 1Pet.1:8-9, Ja.1:2.
Grow in Christ with rejoicing!
Copyright © 2005 P.F. (Simon) Measures
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