The Beattitudes

I'm on week 5 of this precepts Bible study on Matt 5-7 and I am once again sitting, chewing on very heavy stuff. It's the final two "Blessed's" and its about those who are being persecuted or suffering for Christ. She asked a question about do you think everybody who professes Christ will be persecuted? Actually, wait and let me double check on that - hold that thought one moment!

Here you go - "Is persecution for righteousness something that only a few Christians should experience?" My answer was no, because I think that if we are living as we should - clothed in Christ's Righteousness - we will be on the receiving end of persecution, unless our righteousness isn't evident. Maybe not life or death, but we should experience some persecution. So then we look up the following Scriptures (Phil 1:27-30 and 3:10, John 15:18-20, 2 Tim 1:8 and 3:12, and Romans 8:16-18) and I found out my answer was right. That was yesterdays lesson and the one that has caused me so much "chewing" time, was today's question...

Are you suffering or have you suffered any persecution in any form at all?
It was then I think God opened my eyes so I saw clearly for the first time what has been on the outskirts of my mind - I am not suffering any persecution because I am not living in such a way as to be truly set apart, living like Christ - loving the unlovable, confronting sin or defending my faith. I have this "Beatles" approach to life of live and let live, not being anything else to a lost and dying world than a listening ear. I HAVE THE ANSWERS but practically make them ask THE right question before I give them the Good News. I have always hated confrontation and I knew that about myself long time ago, but it is cowardice. It's not in an effort to live peacefully among people but more often than not, to avoid any form of suffering or persecution - and we are talking in the form of verbal barrage or mockery. Nothing hard core!

Several days ago I read Philippians 3:7-14 and was so moved and convicted by the apostle Paul's desire to have a deep relationship with Jesus. I thought I want that! That is going to be my memory verse, my life verse this year. I'll continue memorizing the Matt 5: 1-16 with the kids.

This was scattered, as the two older ones just walked in the door from Youth Group with the new pastor (Steve Lager) and are bubbling over with news of how much fun they had and what they learned and "can we help support a child through compassion international with the rest of the youth group?" and "hey mom, we talked about persecution tonight!" God is coming at me from all directions - this is growth spurt in my Christian life, and I am loving it!