Monday, March 31, 2014

THE RICHES OF STRUGGLE

The Christian path is the way of the cross; not the way of philosophical formula.  The believing world is about to offer great praise to the Master's march to the Cross and out the other side of the grave.  All who believe him are called to pick up our own crosses and imitate his walk.

The message and concept of the cross has undergone some serious polishing.  The word itself has become a symbol that we are on the right track.  However, we live in a social structure that is heavy on words and light on walk.

The Cross of Jesus is more than a good example.  It is our mentor for he is our trainer.  From such a vision you and I learn to never give up; never.  We may be thrashed; yet we will die for those who whip.  We may get punched; we will not flinch in anger at such a beating.  We will never give up.

We will never give up on our calling, our neighbors, nor our God.  We will die for our friends and we believe that if we die for our enemies that many of them will choose our friendship.

There seems to be something brewing in the philosophical world of spirituality. Specifically, the persecution of Christians is receiving increasing report.  To this point, American Christians who suffer for their faith has been seemingly minimal.

But things may be changing.

If they are, we are to be primed with the call of Jesus to follow well.  Mistreatment of believers in God has been absent in our nation.  Therefore, this will be a new territory for us.  Great are the riches in struggles.  Kingdom life is abundant due to mimicking the very trail of Jesus.

Do not whine.  Do not fear.  Encourage one another as the day approaches.  News reports may serve to intimidate.  Good News reports, however, assure us there is an open-ended grave which cannot boss nor control.  Even the strugglers are set free!




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