Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
2 Timothy 3:12-17 “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted… All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
1 Peter 3:13-14 “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what I right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
1 Peter 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is DONE WITH SIN.”
1 Peter 4:4 “They think is strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation.”
Your life shouldn’t look the same. It shouldn’t look the same from when you turned your life away from sin; but it also shouldn’t look the same today as it was yesterday. Living a life of righteousness isn’t achieved overnight. It requires you to constantly turn away from sin. Realign your thoughts and desires away from the world and towards God’s truths. It isn’t easy. You will not only endure pressure from the devil but also the people around you. Those who are living in the world are confused by your resistance to the norms of the world. They won’t understand why you resist lustfulness, deceitfulness, drunkenness, wickedness, etc. In fact, people will be quick to criticize the way you live your life. Suffering is an expectation of living a Christ-like life. The world rejects Christ and it will reject you too. But, you were not created to please the world. When you face suffering for your faith, do not let it discourage you from pursuing God. On the contrary, let it push you further to him. God will bless those who endure suffering for his sake. Be comforted in knowing that he understands your hardships and he will not leave your side. He will give you the strength to turn away from evil and towards him.
