Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Christ told His disciples that in the world they should have tribulation. They would be brought before kings and rulers for His sake; all manner of evil would be spoken against them falsely, and those who destroyed their lives would think they did God service. And all, in every age, who have lived godly lives have suffered persecution in some form or sanother. They have suffered every indignity, outrage, and cruelty which Satan could move upon minds to invent.
The world is as much opposed to genuine religion today as it ever has been. The spirit of persecution will be aroused against the faithful ones, who make no concessions to the world, and will not be swayed by its opinions, its favor, or its opposition. A religion that bears a living testimony in favor of holiness and that rebukes pride, selfishness, and fashionable sins will be hated by the world and by superficial Christians.
Marvel not, then, my youthful Christian friends, if the world hates you; for it hated Jesus before you. When you suffer reproach and persecution, you are in excellent company; for Jesus endured it all, and much more. If you are faithful soilders for God, these things are a compliment to you. It is the heroic souls, who will be true if they stand alone, who will win the imperishable crown.
The way to eternal life is straight and narrow, and you will have to press through many difficulties; but by persevering effort you may win eternal life–the future, immortal inheritance. And the rest, the peace, the glory at the end of the journey, will a thousand times repay every exertion and sacrifice that you can make.
