¹² Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (2 Timothy 3:12-14 NKJV)

If you are reading this and live in America, you live in a country of religious freedom. However, many may not live in such freedom and some of us may live long enough to experience change even in America. It is important while we have these freedoms that we fight for them and remain strong in our faith. For scripture tells us that we will suffer persecution, even if we are not right now.

The right to freedom is lost in many different small ways before it is lost all together. We compromise and allow vocal groups or those in power to subtly, or not so subtly to force change we are unwilling to make. Standing firm in our faith will bring about pressure and persecution. But we have God by our side to help us hold firm. We simply must continue in the things which we have learned, assured in Who we trust.

Reflect on: How persecution may be subtly slipping into your life and what you are doing to stand firm in your faith.