Trials come to Christians testing our faith as a refiner’s fire tests gold (1 Pt. 1:7). We often do not look forward to trials of our faith; however, knowing they can produce steadfast endurance which brings us closer to maturity means they are often necessary for growth (Jas. 1:2-4). We can rejoice in our trials when we look to what suffering can produce in us (Rom. 5:3-5).

We often seek the easiest way and the most convenient environment in which to maintain Christianity; yet, if we are followers of Christ, as the name Christian indicates (Acts 11:26), then we must be willing to suffer with Him (Rom. 8:17). Jesus told any would-be disciple to deny self, take up his cross daily, and follow Him (Lk. 9:23). Jesus changed the world, but it was not because His life was easy. Doing the Father’s will was not convenient for Him. The devil tempted Him (Mk. 1:14). Hypocrites tried to entrap Him (Mk. 12:15). The multitudes left Him (Jn. 6:10, 66). Friends betrayed Him (Jn. 13:18-30; Mt. 27:3-5) and denied Him (Mt. 26:69-74; Mk. 14:27-31). Enemies interrogated Him (Mt. 26:57-68). Soldiers mocked (Lk. 23:11, 36), scourged (Mk. 15:15), and crucified Him (Jn. 19:23). Yet, He still did the Father’s will (Mt. 26:39; Jn. 6:38; 8:29). Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).

This means that when we follow Jesus, difficulties will arise to try to discourage us from continuing to do the Lord’s will. All that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Consider the contrast in the words Jesus had for the church at Philadelphia who were keeping His word while enduring trials (Rev. 3:8-13) to those He had for Laodicea who because of their earthly wealth were self-satisfied, complacent, and blind to their own spiritual destitution (Rev. 3:15-22).

Obviously, this does not mean that we should seek the path of temptation (Mt. 6:13). We need daily encouragement from one another lest we are deceived into sin and depart from the living God (Heb. 3:12-14). A righteous man is tortured by what he sees and hears when he dwells among immoral people (2 Pet. 2:8). What this does mean is that we should not expect a great multitude of friends if we walk the path of truth (Mt. 7:13, 14). Some who once walked with us have forsaken the narrow way because they love this present world (2 Tim. 4:10). We should not expect all to speak well of us if we stand for truth (Lk. 6:26). The word of truth sets the disciples of Jesus apart from the world (Jn. 17:17-19). The church, as the pillar and ground of the truth, upholds the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). We are not often going to be mainstream. Let’s be on guard about compromising with the world (both secular and denominational) for numbers. When the multitudes leave the teachings of the Lord, we must stick with Him who is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6), as Peter said after the crowd left, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

Do not love the world, but rather seek God’s will (1 Jn. 2:15-17). False teaching can infiltrate the church to lead Christians to conform to the world’s practices (Rev. 2:14-16; 20-23). We should greatly rejoice when the children of God continue to walk in truth and abide in the teaching of Christ (2 Jn. 2, 6, 9). Those who are young in the faith can learn to mature, be strong, have the word of God abide in them, and overcome the wicked one (1 Jn. 2:14).