“Everyone will hate you because of Me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Mark 13:13 NIV
Dear friends, if we are going to walk with Jesus Christ faithfully and diligently, we must be prepared to be hated by others. We should be prepared of the negative views and opinions of others. Bear in mind others will question you motives and passion. This should not irritate or discourage us. Therefore, we should always check our motives to ensure they are good and in line with God’s purpose. We must learn to have confidence in God and in the tasks He has called us to achieve for His namesake. We should not be discouraged, rather we must run with perseverance (endurance) the race set before us.
Jesus Christ is interested in us standing firm and not giving up. He is interested in us fixing our eyes on Him, following Him, being with Him, learning from Him, preaching the gospel, meeting the needs of others and reconciling people to God. Christ must be preached in season and out of season. No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Thus, we must pursue to please God; and we know that without faith it is impossible to please Him.
Be encouraged to seek for God’s approval and applauds. Always check your motives and do what is right in God’s sight. You should not have selfish ambitions or bad motives. Continue fixing your eyes on Jesus Christ. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6)
