It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. — Galatians 6:12

In today's culture, the cross has this sentimental value. It's a symbol we wear around our neck or a tattoo on our body. But in Paul's time, crosses weren't made for wearing or tattooing. They were made for dying. They were a public display of humiliation and punishment reserved for criminals by the Roman government. Crosses were a symbol of suffering and death.

And Paul's point here is that these legalists who had infiltrated the church were cowards. They were afraid of taking a stand against the Roman government and devout Jews for fear of persecution. Therefore they choose the path of least resistance. And by doing so, they forced others to do the same. Do you see what happened? They became like sheep and instructed others to do the same.

But before you get all worked up about this, let's go after a challenging application in a single question. Where in your life are you trying to avoid persecution? Where?

Have you been going along with the crowd for fear of speaking up about your faith?
Have you been tolerating immoral behavior from a prospect to close a deal?
Have you been appeasing an immoral partner to maintain an income?
Have you been silent in your workplace when mandated trainings and celebrations oppose your faith?
Have you been maintaining friendships with people whose behavior you no longer agree?
Have you been intentionally silent about your faith to friends, coworkers, neighbors, and relatives for fear of what they might think about you and your faith in Jesus?

In reality, we have all done one or more of these things. And some of us have even encouraged others to do the same. But this has to change. And the only way it's ever going to change is if we stop living in fear of persecution and start standing up. Yes, there might be persecution. People might make fun of you. Friends might call you names. Employers might fire you. Relatives might alienate you. Social media friends might unfriend you. But remember, all these things happened to Jesus, Paul, and all the great men of faith.

So make today the day you choose to stop trying to escape persecution. Persecution is inevitable. Just make sure you're on the right side of the persecution. The side Jesus is on.

ASK THIS: What persecution are you trying to avoid.

DO THIS: Take a stand today.

PRAY THIS: Jesus, as I take a stand, be with me and behind me. May I do it the way you would — the right way.

PLAY THIS: Stand In Your Love - Josh Baldwin.

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