“You therefore must endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
Sometimes I’ll get on a “kick” and watch a ton of Youtube videos on a certain subject, soaking up all that I can learn about whatever it is that has my interest.
A while back I was on a Marine Corps kick. I found myself watching countless documentaries of new recruits showing up to boot camp and immediately getting swarmed by screaming Marine Corps Drill Instructors.
I was fascinated. These young men and women signed on the dotted line to give their lives in service to the country…and their first stop in the military adventure is getting screamed at in the face.
They knew they’d be screamed at. They knew they’d be subjected to mental, physical, and verbal attacks and hardship…and they still got on the bus and drove toward that thirteen-week bootcamp beatdown.
Marine Corps bootcamp is no place for a thin-skinned, easily offended person. Those drill instructors are hard because any future combat for those soldiers will be hard, and they need to be able to endure hardship as good soldiers.
Are you easily offended? Do you have thin-skin as a Christian, or are you able to endure hardships without being offended at every turn?
It’s easy to be offended by people in this life, but remember our example is Christ. When He was yelled at, cursed, beaten, mocked, and reviled, He never got offended and gave it back. He chose to suffer for us so that we could be redeemed through His suffering.
What a Savior! Thank God He wasn’t easily offended, but ultimately focused on securing our eternity with Him one day. May we be willing to also endure hardships and offenses, as good soldiers of Christ.
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Good to see this post by you today brother Eric – you always write good stuff mate.😊 I have to say I am quite thick skinned, in fact it has been said of me that my most annoying attribute is my ability to stay calm when folk want an angry response. I had plenty of abusive folk in my past, and know how counter productive it can be. Thus I choose to follow the well known maxim of WWJD (what would Jesus do?). May our Father God continue to guide and bless you and your family today brother 🙏
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Thanks brother Alan, it’s good to be back. 👍🏻
I’m glad you have that trait, it’s really good to have. I think it displays a lot of self-confidence…and for the Christian, “God-confidence”.
I remember when people used to wear those WWJD bracelets…I like that saying. We can ask ourselves that a million times a day, can’t we?
Thanks for your encouragement, Alan, have a great day brother.🙏👍🏻
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I tend to wear my feelings on my sleeve, brother Eric. It’s both a strength and a weakness. I’ve often desired to be more like brother Alan, my thicker skinned brother in Christ from the kingdom of Fife. However, the way God designed me is great for pastoral ministry—which is what I’m called to do. Blessings to you! I enjoyed seeing you back, as well!!
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I am the same way as you, brother David…often feelings on the sleeve and too emotionally driven.
But, as you say, God allowed such a bundle of nerves and feelings to serve him in various ministries.
Have a blessed day brother!🙏👊🏻
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The claim “I’m offended” has been demoted to nails on a chalkboard since it’s been overused in today’s sensitive society. Your advice to be more Christ-like and thicken our skins is great. Thanks, Eric! 🙂
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You’re so right, Nancy! An offended society is a self-centered, weak society…hmmm, sounds familiar…🤔
Have a blessed day Nancy!
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Amen! I needed that reminder today. Some days I feel like a lamb walking into a den of wolves when I enter my place of business. I always remind myself that Jesus loves all of them just as much as He loves me! Therefore, I will not be offended by their words or actions. Love the reminder from brother Alan…What Would Jesus Do?
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