11/2 2 Timothy 3:12

¹² Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

The first Sunday of November is a time when we remember those who have given their lives for the sake of the gospel. Therefore, it is appropriate that we would encounter this passage during this particular week. Paul praised Timothy for following his example and aim in life, even in enduring under persecution. It is inevitable that following Jesus will result in being persecuted. That is because believers in Jesus are resisting the prince of this world, Satan (John 16:11). We expose the false claims of worldliness as his lie. He promises satisfaction while leading to destruction.

The aim in the life of the believer is to glorify God. The world aims to please the fallen nature. If our words and lifestyles proclaim that living for selfish pleasure will end in destruction, we rouse the ire of Satan and those who don't want to hear the truth. If we dare to say that Jesus is the only way to heaven (John 14:6), we stir up every false religion against us. But what else can we do if we know it is true?

Throughout church history there has always been a temptation to conform to the world just enough to avoid persecution. The child of God who continues to grow in Christ Jesus cannot continue long with compromise. The believer's heart is increasingly filled with the love of God and therefore cannot remain at ease with compromise.

Consider: The love from God that fills and expands our hearts does not force us to act a certain way; rather, it transforms the way we think, which results in a change of behavior. The aim of persecution is to cause us to fear and doubt God's love.