Whether we live in a country that persecutes Christians or if we are free to worship, are we standing firm in our faith? According to World Watch, fifteen countries have ranked highest in the persecution of Christians. The persecution is only getting worse. Christians in these countries must have a strong, firm faith. They must stand firm, knowing their government may come, imprison them all, and/or burn down their church with them in it. Astonishingly, believers are even willing to risk persecution by sharing the Gospel with others. They want to bring one more person into the Kingdom and into a personal relationship with Christ.
WHERE IS OUR FOCUS?
Fear is there, but focusing on Christ is stronger. They follow the command: “I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm” (I Peter 5:12). If we lived in one of those countries, would we stand firm as persecution increased, or would we renounce our faith? Fortunately, we don’t have to make that decision right now. But what are we currently focusing? What do we spend our time, money, and talents on? Exercise? Food? Travel? A hobby? Career? Recording our memoirs?
Have you made it your priority to focus on Jesus Christ? Before you answer, I suggest you ask your spouse, children, or close friends. They will give you honest answers regarding what they see you focusing on; what your major priorities in life are. Others can see our lives playing out far better than we can.
WHAT ARE YOU IMMERSED IN?
Your focus may seem normal, and you don’t think it comes between you and God. But what if God asked you to give it up or spend less time and money on it, and to refocus on your relationship with God? It may be an unhappy revelation to realize that we’ve become immersed in something that is slowly pushing us off our faith journey.
In my case, I need to look at my obsession with genealogy. Buying books and magazines and traveling to old homesteads, cemeteries, and repositories takes money and time. The question is, when does a hobby (or other focus) begin to take precedence over my relationship with Christ? Have I let the finite become more important than the Infinite? Is God drawing me to Himself and to spend better time reading, living, and sharing God’s Word?
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
Change is never easy, but now that I know, I’m asking God to change my focus. I have to obey Scripture: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith”(I Corinthians 16:13). Christians under the shadow of persecution focus their time and resources (what little they have) and lay their lives on the line for their Christian faith. God charges me to refocus my life; to be more vigilant in living, growing, and sharing my faith.
How about you? Are you ready to refocus so you can stand firm? Need some help? Do you want to be inspired and learn about lives sold out to Christ? Click and read the testimonies of believers from North Korea, Iran, and Colombia. Subscribe for free to the Voice of the Martyrs Magazine. Your life will not be the same. God wants you to refocus and stand firm.
Click to hear the testimony of Ali.