As long as you are stationary, no one will complain. Dogs don’t bark at parked cars. But as soon as you accelerate—once you step out of drunkenness into sobriety; dishonesty into integrity; or lethargy into compassion—expect the yapping to begin. Expect to be criticized. Expect to be mocked.
So how can we prepare ourselves? Peter said this: “Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master” (I Peter 3:14-15).
As we meditate on Christ’s life, we find strength for our own. Do you want to be bold tomorrow? Then be with Jesus today. Be in his Word. Be with his people. Be in his presence. And when persecution comes, and it will, be strong. Who knows? People may realize you’ve been with Christ!
