Matthew 5:11-12 – Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
It is amazing how some Christians expect everyone to like and honor them for good works on behalf of Jesus. As we stand against all that is represented in this world’s system, we draw fire from those who love the system. The Psalmist asks the question, “Why are the nations in uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from among us” (Psalm 2:1-3). In a few parts of the world, there has been a higher tolerance for Christ’s people, but in most places He and His people are hated. We know why from the Scriptures! Satan influences their minds through demonic strongholds. The apostle Paul spoke to this subject in detail in his writings to the churches (2 Corinthians 10:1-5; Ephesians 1:15-23; 6:10-20; Colossians 2:8-15).
The Holy Spirit was sent to fill God’s people with the life of Christ and His power over Satan’s domain. Whenever the church has been persecuted, it seems to advance. In Matthew 5:11, the Lord promised blessing when we are insulted or persecuted. Our flesh wants to run from the pressure of resisting evil, but Paul encourages us to be strong in our spirit, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God” (Philippians 1:27).
The great testimony of Christ in us is the ability to conduct ourselves in a fashion which honors our Lord. His Holy Spirit gives us power to live above the world’s system. Standing firm is standing strong. It is a corporate action, that is, we need others who are also standing firm in the faith. Together, we resist demonic strongholds, knowing their destruction is assured.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life where He can help you live in a manner worthy of the gospel. Ask Him for strength to stand firm in your spirit and give to you others that are also standing firm with the same mind.