He who strolls to the end

Matthew 10:22
But the one who endures to the end shall be saved.

We were challenged yesterday morning to check our Bibles and see if our version read "He who strolls along happily to the end will be saved" or "He who takes life easy will be saved".

We were really challenged and reminded that life should not be comfortable for the Christian, how often to we pray for oppurtunities to witness, how often do we speak out for the Lord, because if we do, we will get the persecution that Christ talks about in Matthew 10.

I was certainly challenged, I know I try and live my life according to His word, and yet if I live a good life, I simply look like a good person, and what use is that if we're not pointing to Christ?

I often get praised for my self control in not swearing, and yet I was brought up in a Christian home, swearing is alien to me like eating meat is to a child brought up with vegetarian parents - I shouldn't be praised for self control over that - I often lose my temper and get upset and do things very wrong - which demonstrates a lack of self control. And ultimatley the world are comparing me to the worst of men, while I can see how far I am from Christ's standards.

I know I need to speak of Him more than I do, to not force it down people's throats, but always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is within me. I need to take oppurtunities when they're given to talk of Jesus Christ (Oh that wonderful name!)

I gave a small part of my testimony yesterday afternoon, and what a joy it was to remember that feeling of knowing I was alien to God, that I wouldn't go to Heaven. What joy it brings to remember when the light first crept in, when I realised that if I asked the Lord Jesus into my heart, He would bring peace and forgiveness and bring me safe home to God. What joy to remember the first time I realised that He died on the cross for ME! What joy to remember the first time I realised that He ever intercedes for us! What joy to remember the first time I realised Christ prays for me!

I have missed in recent years the joy of my faith, and I am so grateful to God for bringing us to this place where we hear and are revived week after week with His word; it truly is like water to a parched throat!