It amazes me how some people can shut themselves out from the people around them and live their lives in isolation. I immediately think of a neighbor who appears to be content shutting herself away from anyone living next door to her. She drives up to her house, opens the garage, drives in and immediately closes the garage door behind her long before she steps out of the car! Why? Is it fear? Is it an extreme case of introversion? Maybe paranoia? The answer to why she does all this is beyond my ability to know, unless something changes in our neighborly relationship. While I may never receive a friendly greeting or a simple head nod of acknowledgement while I’m her neighbor, I’m determined to be that kind and friendly personality that my neighbors deserve.

 

As a child of God who has committed his life to Christ, I am determined to be faithful to Him in spite of what ‘enlightened’ minds and modern Christian thinkers may do or say contrary to God’s Word. I’m content to live out the words of a familiar spiritual song, “Though none go with me, I still will follow; no turning back, no turning back.” There are countless names of those we can think of who have turned their backs from serving the Savior of the world. They returned to habits once left behind, picked up sins they promised (to God) to never entertain, and the list of wrongs continues to rack up for these once upon a time Christians. If we’re not careful, discouragement can settle in and take over the confidence that we enjoy in the God of our salvation.

 

Christ declared to His followers, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Christ provides a glorious peace for those who decide to follow Him, trust in Him, and love Him despite who turns away. Family, friends, and foes will have all manner of opinions about Christ and our commitment to living/loving Him. Beware! enemies to the cross should not be entertained; rather, we should look to the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2), Whose promise is to never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Let us not forfeit the peace He openly extends to us by entertaining the distractions this life shoves in our way.