Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Going back to yesterday’s definition of righteousness as doing what is right, this verse seems suddenly up to date. The recent story of a high school student who was suspended for three days for disarming another student who had a real, loaded gun comes to mind. The days are indeed evil, but that’s no excuse to “go with the flow,” or even despair. Evil has always ridiculed good, and that in itself is persecution. Peter’s declaration before the Sanhedrin comes to mind: “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29) It doesn’t matter what is currently “politically correct,” we are called to be obedient to God. Whether that seems easy or difficult depends far more on our perspective than on our circumstances. If we are focused on this world, then any deviation from “societal norms” will seem difficult indeed. However, if our focus is on the kingdom of heaven, that is, eternity with Christ, then obedience to Him regardless of societal pressures will come almost automatically. Actually, that’s a good way to check on our perspective: how difficult is it to be obedient to God when society is urging you to do otherwise?

This is something I need to keep a watch on myself. I actually have something of an advantage, because as a “third culture kid” I have always been different from my peers, so that makes acting differently somewhat easier. However, I haven’t always made the right use of that, and there have been times when I have wanted to “fit in” so badly that I would have done almost anything. That’s certainly not the right perspective! That experience should give me empathy with those around me who are similarly torn, but it doesn’t mean I am to excuse disobedience to God. After all, He doesn’t excuse it either, but He forgives anything that is repented of and placed under the blood of Jesus. I don’t always do what is right and neither does anyone else, but we have a Savior who is the way, the truth, and the life, and by faith we are made to be the righteousness of God in Him. (John 14:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21) That is the message I am to proclaim, and to walk in myself.

Father, thank You for Your grace. Help me have Your perspective so that I may walk in Your righteousness by Your power. May I not be moved by the pressures of the world, but rather stand firmly on the Rock, Christ Jesus my Lord. In so doing, may I encourage others to do likewise, so that the devil’s schemes may be defeated by our obedience to You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!