1 Peter 3:8-14
Verse 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
We know what it means to be living right and have talked about the repentance of revival and so we need to talk about the dislikable part of revival, the possible cost. None of us likes to think that living more for Christ will cause anything but joy from those around us, but it takes only a random chosen of a gospel chapter to see Jesus Himself faced opposition though He was perfect in every way.
It is so easy to get caught up in the world’s way of thinking we should do whatever makes us happy, an issue arises though when part of what makes us happy is how others feel about and treat us. In theory we know it shouldn’t matter what they think of us but we really do. We want to be liked and sadly, we are too often eager to change our stance or stay silent to make that happen.
The thing is, when we are in a period of revival there are going to be people – even people close to us – who will not be happy in how we have changed. We may hear things like, “You’re becoming too religious” or “You’re becoming weird” and these comments will hurt as these friends and family members start drifting away or maybe even walking away. These are the moments we really start to understand who is most important to us – God or our family and friends.
While those of us in the United States may not have to choose between God and those we love regularly, there are many people around the world who do not have a choice of being loved by both God and man. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who have surrendered their lives to the Lord and have been shunned by their family and sometimes their tribes. They have come to understand Jesus is more important than anyone earth could give them.
It may not mean losing only family and friends, some people lose their jobs or safety. While we may feel safe from such violence in America, it doesn’t mean we are truly safe. We may not always hear about them but people are injured and fired frequently for their stand with Christ. We can’t take our safety so for granted that we don’t take a stand for Christ and His righteousness. This is when revival comes alive.
Making It Personal
Have you ever lost a friendship/relationship because of your relationship with Jesus? Have you ever stepped away from a relationship because of their beliefs? Who in your life today needs to be stepped away from?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever been made fun of because of your relationship with Jesus? Have you ever made fun of someone else because of what they say about Jesus? How does Jesus want you to treat someone who makes fun of you about Him (Matthew 5:11-12)?
Closing Prayer
Father, we repent of treating others as if they are more important than You. Give us hearts that love You first and foremost. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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