Devotional
for the Week - 10 December 2007
Disciples
are Different
Scripture Test: Matthew
5:10-12
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’
sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
Introduction
It’s difficult to understand how blessing and persecution
can be put side by side. How could it possibly be a blessing
to be persecuted? Most people believe that when they make
the decision to become Christians, their worries will be
over. As a matter of fact, nothing could be further from
the truth, their worries are in fact just beginning.
This is because Jesus calls us to a different lifestyle,
one that frees us from conforming to the world and challenges
us to put God first. It’s a difficult transition to
make, from a ‘me first’ attitude to a ‘God
first’ perspective.
In the secular world, we seem to judge our lives by what
people think of us, the possessions we have, what we have
accomplished and what we have or don’t have. We are
always striving for more and always comparing ourselves
to others. As Christians, it’s very easy for us to
get pulled into this way of thought but as it says in Romans
12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Disciples have a different perspective
Jesus says we are different from others in the world. Once
we understand that we will have a different perspective
on how we view our lives.
Sometimes as Christians if we go through difficult times,
get sick, lose our job, have financial problems, etc. Many
people, even Christians, may assume that this is because
we’ve done something wrong, or that we must be cursed,
or lack the faith or harbor unconfessed sin. They assume
that if not for these reasons, God would help us. But this
is not the correct way to look at trials because often times,
it is through these very situations that the work of God
is displayed.
As disciples, we should have a different perspective. We
are not on earth to avoid trials and seek the easiest, most
comfortable way. We are here to seek God’s way - His
good, pleasing and perfect will for us. A lot of times putting
God first means accepting hardships, persecutions, loss
and pain. Take for instance, the story of a new convert.
He faced many issues when he wanted to accept Christ as
his Saviour and be baptized. Persecuted by his family and
community, he was thrown out of his home and ex-communicated
from his society. He had to leave his country and start
over. Everything that he had was gone, his family, his job,
his friends, his possessions. But he put God first.
“If
your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll
never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and
look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me”.
Matthew: 10:39
Baptism means Christ lives in me. It means you are dead
to self and alive to Christ so that the ‘me first’
attitude of the world is replaced with ‘God first’,
His kingdom and righteousness.
Disciples
have a different prize
In the secular world everyone is concerned about striving
for the 5 C’s - material possessions that make us
feel worthy. They are the symbols of worldly success. In
contrast, Jesus talks about rewards in heaven. As Christians,
our reward is not necessarily a comfortable life now but
there is one waiting for us in heaven:
“Treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy,
thieves cannot break in and steal.” Matthew. 6:20.
Conclusion
In summary, disciples should do the following:
1.
Get the Perspective Right – Christians going
through trials, persecutions, hardships should feel that
it is a privilege to believe and suffer for Him. Seek God’s
good, pleasing and perfect will.
2.
Get the Principle Right – Put God
first in your life. Die to self and put God in charge. Strive
for God’s kingdom and righteousness.
3.
Get the Prize Right – Work for things
that last for eternity. Commit yourself to God and life
in His kingdom.
Prayer
Response:
Heavenly Father, as your disciples, we want to follow after
you but sometimes the patterns of the world cloud our vision.
Help us to see your perspective, your blessed way. We place
you first and seek a different prize from the world, the
prize of living eternally with you in Heaven. Father help
us to die to ourselves and put you first in everything we
do.
In Jesus’ most precious name. Amen
Devotional
based on sermon by Pastor Lim Jen Huat