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PERSECUTION – COST OF LIVING GODLY

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • 14 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

Today’s Reading:

2 Timothy 3: 10-15

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (v. 12)

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Practically everything in life has a cost, a price or expenditure to incur or to give up or bear. However, it would seem ironic that one has to bear the cost of living godly in Christ. This is because the human mind thinks that living in Christ should shield one from any cost, since He paid for them all. Believers, especially young ones in Christ, find it difficult to comprehend this fact. Truly, apart from other costs, the believer necessarily has to bear the cost of persecution, except if he is not a true one! “To live godly” means to live like Jesus Christ lived when He was on earth. The scripture confirms in Heb. 7:26 that He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. Also in 2 Cor. 5:21, it is written that He knew no sin but was made sin for us. Apart from all these, Christ lived a life of infinite love, humility, utter sacrifice, poverty to make us rich (2 Cor. 8:9); compassion as He went around healing the sick and diseased; suffered lots of persecution from the hands of Jews like him, especially the priests, scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. Above all, He laid down his life and suffered death on the cross.


One would ask, What does living a godly life mean, just as Christ lived? Living a godly life (or living godly) literally means: living like God (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This is what Christ came to the world to demonstrate and instruct man to live like, after the fall in Eden. Christ is the seed of the woman mentioned in Genesis 3:15, who would come to reconcile man back to God. To achieve the best and highest effect, it was deemed fit by the Trinity to let Jesus, the Son, come in the flesh to live among mankind and accomplish the reconciliation promised by the Father. He had man’s nature, and this made it easy for him to feel and associate with his pains and challenges. This has become beneficial to mankind, because He finds it easy to plead with the Father for us in heaven. He has been there before (Heb. 4:15-16), so He can sympathise with our weaknesses. In our world today, “living godly” means living a life seen by all people, to be intentional in pleasing God, loving, showing faith, goodness, compassion, full obedience to God, selflessness, avoiding bad company and hating evil, living and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. Summarily, it means living like God on this earth, just as Jesus did. Many verses in the Scripture admonish believers to live godly in Christ. Apostle Paul said in Titus 2:11-12 that the grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness, worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously and godly in the present age. He also said in 1 Tim.6:6 that godliness with contentment is a great gain. From the foregoing, it is obvious that it is not easy to live godly, humanly impossible. But one can, through the grace of God, the encouragement of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is, however, disturbing that after one’s endeavour to live godly, he has to bear costs, especially that of persecution.


“Persecution” means: to undergo harassment, affliction, or even death. It usually arises from factors such as: jealousy, politics, misunderstanding or misconception, conflict of interests, etc. At the back of all forms of persecution is the devil, who instigates the persecutor. It is no wonder then that anyone who lives godly is certain to be troubled by the devil, who had sinned from the beginning and is doomed for eternal destruction in fire. He hates a godly believer and unleashes many costs, especially persecution on him. In verse 11 of Today’s reading, Paul, who had his own share of trials in living godly and serving God as an Apostle, including great persecution, confirmed in verse 12 that yes, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will (definitely) suffer persecution. We are, however, to remain faithful and at peace. Gladly enough, there are encouragements and rewards for suffering such persecution, which include: total deliverance (v. 11b), courage, satisfaction, peace, resilience, joy, crowns and eternal life. However, if one does not belong to Jesus through his sacrifice, that is, not born again, whatever persecution suffered is in vain. In spite of it, the person may still end up with the devil in hellfire. So, be born again and, therefore, be guaranteed gains and rewards in heaven. 

                                                                        CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your creation and especially for mankind you created in your image and likeness.

  2. Father, we will be eternally grateful for your gift of Jesus, who has reconciled us with you.

  3. Precious Lord, please embolden us to pay the cost of living godly in You and bear persecution in Your strength and love, in Jesus’ name.

  4. Lord, equip Your Church to live godly for You, especially as it carries out the task of winning souls, in the midst of persecution, in Jesus’ name.

  5. Father, kindle the fire of revival afresh in our nation and all over the world as time is ticking off faster than before, in Jesus’ name.

 
 
 

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