1 Peter 4:3‭-‬5 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

So why MUST YOU SUFFER persecution if you would live a godly life? Apostle Peter answers that. He says, when the world sees that you do not go in the same direction as they, you will be abused and persecuted. You will suffer something from them.

Have you ever been insulted for preaching the Gospel to someone who doesn’t want to hear it? Have you ever been called names because you won’t join a group of friends to peddle an evil? Have you ever suffered some tightness or scarcity because you won’t take what is not yours? Have you ever given your last to the Lord or to a charitable cause, and suffered some want as a result? HAVE YOU?

The world system goes in a certain direction that is inversely proportional to the WAY OF THE LORD. Either you blend in with the world, or choose the way of the Lord and suffer some afflictions. What is it going to be for you? If up until this time you have not suffered anything because of the Lord, then you need to check your alignment. You probably are blending in with the world.

Jesus said,

Woe to you when all men speak well of you. (Luke 6:26)

He also said,

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” (John 15:20, KJV)

                GRACEFUL MORNING