The Temptation to Play It Safe

Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:10-13: ¹⁰You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. ¹²In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When Paul wrote these words in the first century, Christians lived with persecutions I can’t imagine today. Their lives literally were at risk because of their faith. The economic and social impact on their lives affected their daily living. As I look around at my life today, I’m not sure I’ve ever been persecuted because of my faith. In fact, I’m rarely inconvenienced because of it. I don’t know what that means. I’ve often wondered about it. I’m quite sure I’m not called to go out and look for trouble just to get myself “persecuted” somehow. At the same time, do I play it too safe?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to life for this next week or so with a specific eye to this persecution business. What are the implications of vs. 12 in my life in this place at this time?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, make no mistake: I am very glad to don’t live in a place where overt persecution of Christians takes place. At the same time, help me see how following you impacts my daily life. Save me from taking the easy way when it would compromise my commitment to you.