Sojourners

"The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh." ~ Jonathan Edwards, “The Christian Pilgrim”

I love this quote because Edwards reminds us that we cannot expect that our pilgrimage through this world to be easy. This world hates those who follow Christ (John 15:19) and, as we have seen in the lives of Christ and the apostles, it does not make the journey easy. However, two things God has shown us can encourage us in this. First, we are not alone in our battle for we are promised that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" (Phil. 1:6) and "it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Phil. 2:13). Second, there is a great prize at the end (I Cor. 9:24), which is Christ. This prize is so great that to die is gain, as Paul reminds us (Phil. 1:21).

It is hard, but worth it. As Edwards reminds us later, "How can you better employ your strength, use your means, and spend your days, than in traveling the road that leads to the everlasting enjoyment of God: to his glorious presence, to the new Jerusalem, to the heavenly mount Zion, where all your desires will be filled and no danger of ever losing your happiness? — No man is at home in this world, whether he choose heaven or not: here he is but a transient person. Where can you choose your home better than in heaven?"

By His Grace,
Taylor

Expectations

"We should not expect a 'fair fight' in a secular world that is hostile to God and uncomfortable around the truth of Christ. Therefore, our response to abuse or distortion or slander should not be angry resentment, but patient witness to the truth, in the hope and with the prayer that returning good for evil may open hearts to the truth." ~ John Piper, Tolerance, Truth-Telling, Violence, and Law

This is something I have to remind myself of often when I am frustrated with a politician, writer, journalist, or anyone else who seems to have an overwhelming hatred for Christians. I find myself shocked at times by what I read, hear, or have said to me, but then when I am by myself and really think about it I ask, "Why does this shock you? Christ told you this is what you should expect (Matt. 10:22)."

When I really think about it that way it makes me also think about where I came from. Were it not for grace and God's work of salvation in me, which is "of the LORD" (Jonah 2:9) from start to finish, my heart would harbor that hatred as well. It is not as if I did something to change my heart. Stepping back and thinking about it that way makes it easier to respond with patience and "witness to the truth" though I still am not very good at that. Fortunately grace is not finished (Phil. 1:6).

By His Grace,
Taylor