Be Faithful, Not Fearful

We are not to be fearful of what is to come, but to be faithful instead.

“¹⁰Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10 (ESV)

John is very straight forward here with the church at Smyrna. He lets them know in no uncertain terms that they are about to suffer for their faithfulness to Christ. They will even be put to death in martyrdom for their beliefs. And then, he gives them the jewel of reward that is to come in the form of the “crown of life” from Christ for their faith and dedication to Him.

“¹¹He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” – Revelation 2:11 (ESV)

They are to be dedicated to Christ and doing His work while they are here in this world. As they do, they are recognized by God for the work and “will not be hurt by the second death”, meaning that they will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven when they have left this world.

I am encouraged here with the revelations. I am reminded to “do the work” of Christ each day and suffer through whatever adversity I come across. I may not be in the position where I could be cast into the position of possible death, but that does not mean that I will not be persecuted for my actions that are in line with Christ.

I have been and will continue to be an outsider as to society as my beliefs and actions are not in line with what they see as acceptable. I will not accept things that are contrary to Christ and I will not simply just allow them. I will make known my alignment to Christ and how that alignment impacts the way I lead my life. I will not be afraid to go it alone. I will not be fearful of what others might think. I will be faithful in the work I am doing and that works alignment and following with the plan that God has for me and my life, here in this world and in heaven to come.

What is the approach you take to the path God has for your, fear or faith? Are you playing the game in this world to be accepted by society and avoiding suffrage as you follow Christ? What if you were faithful and not fearful, how would your approach to today be?