Memorize: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
Some Christians only enjoy fellowshiping with God’s children, or working for God when things are going on well, the moment their is slight situation or they encounter disappointment, they become discouraged, desire for things of God reduces, they suddenly find it difficult coming to church or praying, these set of Christians can be called fair weather Christians, they have a conditional loyalty to Christ.
The life of Apostle Paul should be a great encouragement to us with his loyal attitude, in our reading portion of today, Paul was asking who shall separate us from the love of Chhrist? Shall tribulation, or distress or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Each one of these conditions are severe enough to discourage a Christian whose loyalty is conditional.
Paul’s loyalty to Christ was unconditional, he was not moved by any of those negative situations, hence he declared in verses 37 – 39, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For i am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The statement of Paul here expressed resolution to be loyal to Christ completely and totally regardless. Can you say the same about yourself, are you loyal to Christ? Remember that we are striving to attain the same goal which Paul attained, the same level of committment which Paul had is expected of us.
On my way back from a trip to Nigeria some time ago, i sat beside a red beret military commander who was a member of the life body guard of one of past military head of states in the country, he shared with me how that regardless of their personal or family circumstances, his loyalty to protect the life of his boss ‘the then head of state ‘ was his primary goal and duty, and he did the job without compromise, if he dies in the call of duty, he willingly accept. I thought deep about it and imagined how someone can have such high level of loyalty to another fellow human being, the maximum reward for such loyalty is earthly gifts of silver, gold, or large foreign currency which does not abide forever, but will perish here on earth.
But Christ promised us both abundant earthly reward, plus eternal life with him in heaven which is everlasting and without end, yet some Christian’s still struggle with their loyalty to Christ in spite of such great rewards, earthly and eternal.
May the Lord help you to be completely sold out to Christ in Jesus name.
Sing this Hymn with deep meaning, and let it minister to you – “All to Jesus, i surrender, all to him i freely give ” May this song minister to you and help you have new strong loyalty and committment to Christ, Amen.
Prayer point: O Lord, please help me to be loyal to you.
Key Dose: It is an established truth, that those who will enjoy the best of God, are those willing to offer their best to Him.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
(Senior pastor IHPCT)
