P e r s e c u t i o n
Have you ever taken some heat for your convictions? Have you been criticized for doing the right thing? Jesus spoke about such things often.
In another verse of the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter five and at verse 10 it says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” How could anyone feel blessed when he’s being persecuted? Seems silly doesn’t it? It’s not if you understand what it is to be blessed.
There is a sense of being content that is ours when we are taking heat for doing the right thing. When we come under fire for doing the unpopular and the proper, we find an unusual sense of peace. That’s what Jesus calls being blessed. You can probably remember a time when you chose to do the right thing, even when it was unpopular.
Why does that feeling come to us? Jesus says that it’s because when we do, ours is the kingdom of heaven. We’re acting like citizens of heaven when we choose godly behavior, even in the face of criticism and accusations.
As you prepare for today’s competition, set your mind and heart to doing the right thing in every situation. Choose the best, even when you know you’ll be criticized, accused or even persecuted. In doing so you’ll be blessed and you’ll be living in possession of the kingdom of heaven.
Bible Reading Plan:
II Corinthians 1:12-24
Psalms 96
I Samuel 3-5