Never be ashamed and be ready to suffer

“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.” 2 Timothy 1:8 NLT

For what are you willing to suffer? I should get right to the point and ask, for what are you willing to die? Here in America men and women are willing to put their lives in harm’s way in military service for the protection and freedom of their country they love. I would say most of them truly have this sentiment, but there are many who never realize the depth of what they signed up for.

This is true for Christians as well in God’s service. If you are a child of God you are in God’s army. Some Christians do not like to equate their faith as being in a war, a battle, or even part of an army even when things get rough. God’s army is designed to stand for the truth of the gospel, the testimony of Jesus Christ. The first requirement for Christians is to never be ashamed of sharing the good news with others. The second requirement, as the apostle Paul tells Timothy, is to be ready to suffer for what you have just shared.

Suffering for sharing good news does not make much sense. We would think people would be pleased and rejoice in hearing the good news of Jesus Christ and indeed some are. However, the underlying reason most are not and why there is hostility with it, is Satan, the evil one. Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesus, said, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph.6:12 nlt)                    

Paul is reminding Timothy that suffering will come in sharing the gospel. He also encourages Timothy that God will give him strength to go through the suffering. God’s strength is still available to every Christian today in His army,  ‘So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord and be ready to suffer with me (Paul) for the sake of the Good News.” (2Tim.1:8 nlt)