By Alistair Begg
“Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do” - Philemon 1:8
Heavenly Lord, as we start this New Year, please give us the
boldness to follow you in all things. Let your spirit lead us into the
future.
The Christian will be sure to make enemies. It will be one of his
objects to make none; but if doing what is right and believing what is
true should cause him to lose every earthly friend, he will regard it as
a small loss, since his great Friend in heaven will be even more
friendly and will reveal Himself to him more graciously than ever. You
who have taken up His cross, don't you know what your Master said? "I
have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her
mother . . . And a person's enemies will be those of his own household."
Christ is the great Peacemaker; but before peace, He brings war. Where
the light comes, the darkness must vanish. Where truth is, the lie must
flee; or if it remains, there must be a stern conflict, for the truth
cannot and will not lower its standard, and the lie must be trampled
underfoot. If you follow Christ, you will have all the dogs of the world
yelping at your heels. If you live in such a manner as to stand the
test of the last judgment, you can depend upon it that the world will
not speak well of you.
He who has the friendship of the world is an enemy to God; but if you
are true and faithful to the Most High, men will resent your
uncompromising commitment, since it is a testimony against their
iniquities. You must do the right thing and not fear the consequences.
You will need the courage of a lion to pursue a course that turns your
best friend into your fiercest foe; but for the love of Jesus you must
take your stand. To risk reputation and affection for the truth's sake
is so demanding that to do it constantly you will need a degree of moral
principle that only the Spirit of God can work in you. Do not turn your
back like a coward, but play the man. Follow boldly in your Master's
steps, for He has made this rough journey before you. Better a brief
warfare and eternal rest than false peace and everlasting torment.
Dear Lord, please equip me with the courage to love my
enemies and repent for my faults. Give me courage to take the path that
might mean making enemies our of friends, but ultimately brings me
closer to you. Help me find willingness to risk reputuation all for Your
sake. Help me love you more than anything or anyone on this earth. In
Jesus' Name, Amen.
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