They are watching us!

Chapter 7 begins with a list of observations from Revelation 6:9-11. I found this helpful because it reminds me that I should be examining scripture like this-not just reading a passage, but ENGAGING it.

Just a few things I want to mention that had specific impact on me.

First of all, praise God that we don't have to worry about all the wrong done to us and whether it will be dealt with. Hurt is such a powerful emotion-let alone persecution. I know that I deal with hurt more than persecution on a daily basis. Primarily, I must pray that God helps me to be merciful to others who hurt me. I can take refuge in Him who makes all things right. I think that there are two reasons that I don't experience persecution. First, I don't put myself out there as a follower of Christ as often as I should. I should plan to witness each day, finding places to build relationships and opportunities to share the gospel. To help direct me, I am reading The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever. I would encourage you to read it. Hard-hitting, but very necessary for every believer who wants to be faithful to Christ's command to take His message to the ends of the earth. Second, maybe I am not mature enough. Now, understand that this is not an excuse. I understand that I need to put off the many excuses for witnessing and put on the Lord's strength. Rather, what I am driving at is whether hanging onto hurt feelings is hindering my potential for the kingdom. I truly believe that I am not a bitter person or prone to hang onto things long (if anyone thinks otherwise, please speak with me). But if I am honest with myself, I know there are so many times that circumstances affect my joy. Something insensitive said, purposely or inadvertently, and I can let my mind flow with thoughts unbecoming of a sanctified believer. "How dare they say that!" "I can't wait til I see them again so I can give them a piece of my mind!" "I'll set them straight and put them in their place!" If I can't properly handle something as insignificant as hurt feelings, I am not ready for persecution. I pray that God will help me to grow in properly handling hurt feelings and give me opportunities for persecution. After all, I should rejoice in my persecution, for those who endure bad things on Earth are comforted (Luke 16:25). Hard to do if it is non-existent.

Also, it was a incredible reminder that we will give an account. What struck me when reading this was that my specific actions and words will be accounted for. What a sobering thought. I am confident that my sins are forgiven, but what about the numerous missed opportunities. Am I being faithful to what God has given me today? Heavy stuff! I know that grace abounds, but I don't want to sit in that comfort. I want this responsibility and accountability to grip me and thrust me into His Word. I want to be pushed out of the comfortable and easy into the difficult and disciplined work of faithfulness.

Without a doubt, again, a heavenly mindset will cause us to have a proper viewpoint of our temporal life.