among themselves, but they could not do it in His presence. Those who rejected the standards of Jesus were the ones who ultimately cru cified Him on the cross. His very life rebuked the kind of life they were living. So, Scripture says that if you really live for Jesus Christ you can expect to be in for some rough times (Philippians 1:28-30). We, too, are to be lights in the world. This light is to be manifested and revealed to others, no matter the consequences. We should thank God for the privilege of serving Him and experiencing these hard ships and prejudices. The Lord per mits these things to come into our lives. One reason for persecution is that it is a token of salvation for the believer. Also, it is a sign to the unbeliever of coming judg ment and destruction. It is not pos sible, Paul is saying, for a Christian to stand firm under persecution before the world and to dismiss it as nothing at all. It is a sense of God's supernatural power. This is why he can be thankful when the world moves in against him. He knows he is really living for the Lord, giving a positive witness for Jesus Christ. It may be that God will call you to bear testimony to the unbeliev er in your own home, where you work, or in your social group. It may result in your ostracism. God knows all about it. If you are faith ful to Him, and if you do what He wants, He will carry you through, no matter what the cost may be. May we be willing to stand for Christ no matter what the cost may be. God will always see us through. One of the wonderful things of
LOVE'S CONFLICT The heart of Youth is confident in love. With eagerness they crowd about its shrine. Enchanted by the light of moon above, Its magic spell their very souls entwine. " Romance, indeed!" A scoffing voice is raised, "The test of time this fallacy will prove. And, if I err, may God above be praised, Though even He my scars may ne'er remove." "Oh skeptic heart, you cannot languish here," A voice is heard, couched in serenity. "That joy and pain are known, 'tis very clear. And this truth, learned, leads to maturity." 'Tis true, some hearts the conflict will deface, Yet others will it heal by love's embrace. E. R. Peirson
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