Winter time brings long sleeves, coats and short days. We miss out on much needed sunlight; sunlight to keep us healthy, growing, and strong. But, during the summer, many moms encourage their children to bath in sunscreen, wear shirts (the bane of little boys), and limit outdoor time (this isn't meant to say sunscreen is bad or that mothers are wrong to encourage safety as my own mom is likely to be reading this... Hi mom, love you). But, how much is that like our spiritual lives as Christians? We are alive in Christ, through Christ. He is our sun to keep us healthy, growing strong, and providing light. However, how often do we dare expose ourselves to the harmful rays of a truly Christ-like life? How often do we commit to God, but put on protection, play it safe? We don't like to be attacked, criticized, or told we're offending people. We go out of our ways to avoid negative confrontation. But, the lives of our Christ and his disciples weren't easy. In fact, we are promised danger, hate, and struggles.
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." - Matthew 8:20
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. - Matthew 24:9
"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. - Luke 21:12
Should we hide from this danger and threat? Should we protect ourselves; put on long sleeves, sunscreen, limit our time out in the elements? If the answer is yes, then we're looking at this from the wrong perspective! To expose ourselves is to trust in Christ, to embrace our troubles is to accept a reward, and being hated is proof of a great love. Our command is simple:
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself. -Luke 10:27
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:10-12
So, why put on sunscreen, long sleeves, or stay indoors? I want to brave the sun's rays because in the end the Son will smile on me and say:
Well done my good and faithful servant. - Matthew 25:23
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