Persecuted

1Thessalonians 2:1-2 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our visit to you was not in vain; but though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition.

I must admit I have faced opposition. I guess in some minimal way, although some people have told me that some of it was extreme, I too have been shamefully treated. I hope I have had the courage to continue to proclaim the gospel no matter what, but I don’t think you can point to me like I point to St. Paul. Some times I just feel like such a wimp when it comes to my life in service to Jesus. My sacrifices and risks seem so big and hard to me, but in comparison to those in the bible and in the early church  they are insignificant. At times I just have to stop and give myself a reality slap. I live in my world in my time with my set of issues and problems I can’t live in St Paul’s times and circumstances. My task is to obey Christ in my life with the opportunities and possibilities in front of me, and with the gifts and talents the Holy Spirit has equipped me to use in God’s service. I have been reconciled to God by Jesus Christ and to me has been given the ministry of reconciliation, so I ask myself how am I doing in the realm in which I live? That’s all I have. The most danger I have is all those gladiators throwing golf clubs around the course, but I can still love others as Christ loves me. Am I doing it in my time and place? That’s what matters.