A Worthy Life

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  Jesus is my example for this. And not just Him, but Paul and all the other believers who have been killed for their faith. Paul was an incredibly strong Christian and faced opposition more than once during the time that he served on earth; ultimately, he died. I've been reading Philippians and he writes in chapter 1, verse 27-30.
  
  "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." Philippians 1:27-30

  So, we all know the fruit of the spirit (which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) and we know that these traits are evident in us when we make our saviour a priority and make it an effort to live for him. And all these are good, but you cannot say you are loving if you won't show it. You cannot say you are kind or that black lives matter if you bully others or make racist comments. You cannot say that you are a child of God if you're going to live your life only how you want with no regard for God's plan.
  
  (Note: the fruit of the spirit is the same as the fruit of a tree, it's gonna need constant attention and care to grow, and it needs time, so don't expect an overnight change.)
  
  Whatever stage of life you're in or whatever's happening to you right now, behave in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. We can't be afraid to share about him, even if people reject what we have to say or mock us, because suffering for Christ is a good thing. 
  These trials (like people trying to turn us away from the faith or punish us for it) are opportunities for us to tend to our fruit trees and become stronger in the faith. And when you get through these tribulations, you'll be a better, stronger and wiser Christian than you were before. And when you get over this mountain, reach back and help the person behind you.
  Here's an analogy to illustrate this; Jesus is a shining, bright light and all the world is in darkness. Us Christians have mirrors that we use to reflect His light to the rest of those who are in the dark. So how are you using your mirror? Are you recklessly shining a bright beam of light over everyone who meet? Are you picking and choosing who to shine on? Are you too scared to pick up your mirror? Or are you running from the light?
  I think you know which person we should be. We should be demonstrating God's reckless love by living a life worthy of Him, without fear or hesitation, even when you have to go against stream and people are trying to pull you back.

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 
- Joshua 1:9

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 
- Romans 10:13

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