It is a foundational principle in the gym that if you are not challenging your body, you are not getting stronger. When lifting weights, for instance, if you are not struggling on the last repetitions, or not a little sore after your workout, you are only maintaining the status quo. Pastor Trey Ferguson reminds us that throughout Jesus’ entire life and ministry he encountered resistance from almost every angle: the government, his hometown, religious leaders, and the doubts of his own followers. Since the Church is the body of Christ here on Earth then it stands to reason we should expect to struggle as well. Paul is even writing our reading for today in Philippians from prison. Trey reminds us that even if there is struggling in carrying the good news of the Gospel, it is always fruitful. But if the news is so good, why is there resistance? Trey explains how the Gospel is viewed as a threat to those who hold and wield power unjustly and benefit from creating a climate of fear and bad news. If we pretend we are persecuted online through ridiculous culture war battles we provoke or enflame, and then return to our very comfortable lives and feel smug about our spiritual life, we should ask ourselves this question. Is that the spiritual equivalent of going to the gym and never breaking a sweat or never failing a repetition, and then taking a selfie to put on social media to congratulate ourselves? We must endeavor to live our lives worthy of the Gospel of Jesus, making God’s love available equally to all. The hard resistance, born of the sinful nature of the world, is evidence of God’s working through us to redeem the world. We invite you to listen as Trey reminds us that the important work of carrying the Gospel is never easy, but we are never alone in doing it.
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