Are you feeling battle weary? Tired of seeing evil appear to triumph in this world? I am right there with you, my friend. But let’s not give up fighting for what is right no matter what the outcome. Turning to Scripture, the book of Jude offers key insights on how to fight for truth and hold onto it.
It is so easy to be distracted and enticed by the things of this world. But friends, as followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t belong in this world. We are sojourners passing through. When we fall into the trap of living like the world and focusing on ourselves, how will people see their need for Jesus?
Do you admire how persecuted Christians keep standing firm in the faith despite undergoing intense suffering such as imprisonment, beatings, torture, etc.? Although we may not face persecution at this level, perhaps we are enduring ridicule in the workplace or rejection from family members due to our beliefs. Situations like these still require us to keep standing firm in the faith.
With all the chaos, uncertainty and negativity portrayed in the media, it is difficult to not get swept up in it. We may find ourselves overwhelmed, fearful or anxious when we focus on the circumstances around us. The alternative is to fix our eyes on God and lay all our concerns before Him, focusing on who He is rather than all the negativity.
To become a beautiful butterfly, an ugly caterpillar endures various changes to its body. Despite the discomfort and struggle, the end result is worth the difficulty. The same is true for Christians. At times, we encounter various trials which may involve discomfort, struggles and even suffering, but the potential outcome of growing in the likeness of Jesus Christ offsets any difficulty we may face.
Butterflies. What delicate creatures of beauty that reflect God’s creative brilliance. But they don’t begin as graceful and beautiful creatures. Instead, butterflies start life as ugly caterpillars. To become beautiful butterflies, caterpillars undergo a transformation process, where their bodies are transformed into beauty to reflect God's glory.
Have you ever watched someone build a sand castle? A person may spend hours perfecting their design, but if they neglect to build a safe distance from the water’s edge, the castle will be demolished by the ocean’s rising tide. Without a firm foundation, we may collapse just like a sand castle when the waters rise. But it doesn’t have to be this way.