The Price of Discipleship

In his second letter to Timothy, whose Memorial along with Titus, is commemorated today, St. Paul charges him (and every other bishop and disciple) "to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands" (2 Tim 1: 6). He goes on, "For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength at comes from God." (2 Tim 1: 7-8). If indeed we "stir into flame", that is, be passionate about our mission, we will inevitably be misunderstood, cast aside as a fanatic, or openly opposed by those whom we seek to teach by word or by example. It takes bravery to "go against the flow" of current trends and values which contradict the truth. Yes, the truth will make us free, (Jn 8:32) but there is hardship involved as well, for the truth is not always the popular stance. The disciple is not better than the master...if they persecuted him, they will persecute us.(Jn 20: 21). The early Christians and even in some places today, persecution was real and tangible. Blood was shed, is being shed. But most of us suffer from the more subtle kinds of persecution: mockery, indifference, opposition from law and authority. It is the price of discipleship; Paul knew it and prepared Timothy for it. His warning remains as valid for us today as it was for him.
Bro. Rene