Those who served Jesus in the first century paid a great price. Following Jesus meant persecution and affliction. Sometimes it even meant death. For example, Stephen was stoned to death, Acts 7:58-60. Acts 8:1 tells us, “And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.” In Acts 12:2 we are told that “James the brother of John was killed with the sword.” Four times in Philippians Chapter 1 Paul mentions his bonds (vv 7,13,14,16). We could go on and on talking about the suffering that went on in the first century.
The truth is we are very fortunate people in the United States of America. We have the privilege to serve God without having to worry about the king or whoever. Yes, we live in the land of the free; freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press. Truly, we are the most fortunate people on the face of the earth.
However, there is a problem. Easiness often causes people to be unconcerned and to just take it easy. Hardship produces concern and diligence. I don’t think any of us want hardship. But there is one thing we must have if we expect to go to heaven. That one thing is diligence in the service to God. Peter said, “. . . give diligence to make your calling and election sure . . .” (II Peter1:10).
Let’s be thankful for how wonderful we have it in America; but not be guilty of allowing our good fortune to cause us to be unconcerned about the Lord. James said, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:12). If we will follow this verse there will be no problem.
Ken Tyler
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