“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
It’s easy – and pointless – to define being a Christian by what we don’t do. Lots of religions say we should save sex for marriage and skip the drugs, porn, alcohol, and being mean. That doesn’t make you a Christian.
To walk like Jesus, to live as a follower of Christ, has way more to do with what we actually do than with what we don’t do. We’re looking at specific examples of that this week.
Today: Real Christians hope! That means we keep expecting God to come through, we expect to be with him in eternity forever. And it matters enough to us to make us joyful.
Real Christians hurt. Okay, everyone hurts. But Jesus-followers imitate him by being patient when they hurt, not surprised, not feeling betrayed, not angry – patient as we wait for God to help.
Real Christians pray. And then pray again tomorrow.
Following Jesus is harder – and way better – than just not looking at porn or not getting drunk.
Think: Which are you most consistent at – being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, or faithful in prayer? What can you do this week to do more of that?
Pray: Ask God to help you to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
Do: Keep an eye on the Christians in your life. Look for example of joyfulness in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer.