As
long as you are stationary, no one will complain. Dogs don’t bark at
parked cars. But as soon as you accelerate—once you step out of
drunkenness into sobriety; dishonesty into integrity; or lethargy into
compassion—expect the yapping to begin. Expect to be criticized. Expect
to be mocked.
So
how can we prepare ourselves? Peter said this: “Don’t give the
opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at
attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master” (I Peter 3:14-15).
As we meditate on Christ’s life, we find strength for our own. Do you want to be bold tomorrow?
Then be with Jesus today. Be in his Word. Be with his people. Be in his
presence. And when persecution comes, and it will, be strong. Who
knows? People may realize you’ve been with Christ!