Living for Christ was not easy in the early church. Someone captured it like this: “A Christian [back then] was completely fearless, continually cheerful, and constantly in trouble.” The first Christians counted the cost and were sold out to Christ.
I don’t know how close to the truth that statement is, but I believe it to be fairly accurate. This is how Christ addressed the church in Smyrna in
Revelation chapter 2.
“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
This church took a beating for Christ, but it was well-worth-it. Someday we’ll meet these brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe they’ll ask, “How was it with you?” How do we answer that?
Think about it.
Gary