Stay the Course

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.” Matthew 5:11-12

Nobody prints this verse out and sticks it on their fridge. At first glance, it doesn’t seem to be particularly up-lifting. But don’t let this verse trouble you. Or worse yet, don’t let it keep you from following Christ. Sometimes you stand alone when you stand for what is right. Not everyone will be on board with your decision. They will mock you, persecute you, lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you. But Jesus said, “God blesses you” because you are his followers. He even goes on to say, “Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.” 

Before I came to Christ I was a miserable human being searching for significance, meaning and purpose. Searching in all the wrong places, I might add. But God radically changed my heart one Sunday morning and set me on a new course. It hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. There are those who questioned my beliefs and even accused me of being in a cult, but I wouldn’t trade one challenging day as a believer in Christ for a thousand days of not knowing him. Jesus knew that following Him would cost something, but he encourages us to stay the course. The cost of discipleship is worth the reward.