Shining the light of Christ
You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:11-15
From the text, the Apostle Paul is providing a reminder to young Timothy that following Christ and living a godly life will not prevent him from getting persecuted. Paul said that the more faithful you are to godly living, the more likely you will be mistreated. As the world continues to become increasingly ungodly, the more worldly people are increasingly intolerant to biblical principles. Christ came in this world to bring light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5). Darkness cannot stand the light that is why the world tried to extinguish the light. You, as a child of God, are called to shine your light illuminating those in the darkness so they can see the presence of Christ in your life. When you obey to follow His will for your life, all the more you should expect resistance from the forces of darkness. Your Christlike attitude will be unpleasant to those who continue to object from the Lordship of Christ. Do not be discourage even if you just recently repented of your sin and taken bold steps of obedience to God. Maybe you expected to experience God’s blessing immediately because of your courage to obey Him instead, you were met with hostility and disapproval. If you are honestly following the Lord’s will for your life and still receive antagonism from the people you care and are close with, do not get discouraged and give up. Instead, continue to obey God’s admonition. “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2:15). Jesus told His disciples that if He himself coming in this world to be its Savior and the world hated Him, so it would follow that His followers will be persecuted just because they are His disciples. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first... ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (John 15:18, 20).
Blessings.
