in want?
“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” —2 Timothy 3:12, RSV-CE
Persecution is not the devil’s only attempt to stop godly living. Satan attacks early to try to stop godly “wanting.” For instance, the devil wants us to look at Mass as merely our Sunday obligation. Even if we go, he tries to make us not want to go, not want to pray, not want to give, not want to forgive, love, try, or care.
However, the Lord wants us to be consumed by zeal for His house (Jn 2:17). The Lord calls us to want to thirst for Him “as the hind longs for the running waters” (Ps 42:2). You may not yet be living a truly godly life; yet if you just want to do so, you “will be persecuted” (2 Tm 3:12, RSV-CE). But do not fear Satan and his attempts to persecute you. Rather, fear God, Who is leading you deeper into His heart (see Mt 10:28).
May our flesh pine and our souls thirst for the living God (Ps 63:2). May our hearts and “flesh cry out for the living God” (Ps 84:3). May we pray and say with Jesus: “I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!” (Lk 12:49)
Don’t be intimidated (Mt 10:26) and manipulated by the threat of persecution. Want, thirst, and burn to live for God.
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to give me the sacrificial love that will move me to want to live totally for You.
Promise: “All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching — for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work.” —2 Tm 3:16-17
Praise: St. Boniface spent much of his ministry reforming the church in Germany. He was martyred while preparing converts for Confirmation.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Be Holy, for I am Holy, view, download or order our leaflet on our website.)
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