Throughout biblical and modern history, saints worldwide have withstood all manner of persecution. The classic Foxe’s Book of Martyrs tells of many who gave their lives for the gospel. Across our world, millions of believers meet in secret house churches and live boldly in their faith. In some countries where being a Christian is illegal, the church is growing more rapidly than anywhere else in the world. All these saints have at least one thing in common. They know that a short period of suffering cannot compare with the eternal weight of glory that awaits.
Persecution and suffering are high-value treasures for followers of Jesus. They are like diamond mines. But temporal threats of harm are no-contest for those who know heaven is their eternal home.
As our world sinks ever deeper into the abyss of ungodly insanity, heavenly-mindedness becomes even more critical. Fearlessly speaking the truth in our current environment requires it. Heavenly-mindedness is a soul-fortress that enables radical obedience.
Moses considered disgrace for the sake of Christ highly valuable. It was the cost of eternal reward. Noah, Abraham, and other patriarchs could live as aliens and strangers because they looked forward to receiving God’s promise. Moses’ parents knew God had a plan for their baby and did not fear the king’s edict. Other unnamed faith heroes have endured torture, imprisonment, jeers, flogging, chains, and stoning as the cost of following Christ.
The fear of others can debilitate us. But the antidote to fear is a proper fear of God and confidence that His promise of eternal glory as a reward for our faithfulness is certain.
Let the certainty of a heavenly reward motivate you to faithfulness.
Earl C Pomeroy is a retired engineer, chaplain, wilderness camping guide, and recreational poet. Writing poetry is how he processes things. He was formerly a member of the Word Weavers International chapter in Boone County KY, but he now lives in Forney, TX, with his daughter. He has self-published a book titled More Than Finest Gold, a paraphrase of Psalm 119 fashioned as an English language acrostic. For most of his married life, he and his wife, Ila Jean, maintained a ministry of rescuing women from the street in their home. They showed the women the love of Jesus and guided them to a new life in Christ. You can contact Earl at www.mountaintopcreatives.com.