Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Hebrews 12:1-4 ESV
You know, it’s pretty obvious that we have a hostile work environment. Think about it. Jesus sends us out into the world just like the Father sent Him. Did Jesus have millions of followers that hung on His every word? Or was He persecuted by the rulers of the day everywhere He went?
Ever since He was born of a virgin, the political powers wanted Him dead. Such is the life of God’s Anointed One. He was betrayed, mocked, falsely accused and executed for a crime He didn’t commit – blasphemy.
He told the truth and was murdered for it. That’s our Savior. Can we expect anything less? Are we somehow better than Jesus and deserve to be treated better than the firstborn Son of God? I think not.
Here’s the deal, if you hate another believer, you are a murderer in your heart. If you work against those in the family of God, you have no inheritance in the Kingdom of God. It’s time we come to terms with our own hearts and repent and follow Jesus.
Are you harboring unforgiveness? Unforgiveness is when you are unwilling or unable to forgive someone for hurting, betraying, breaking your trust or causing you intense emotional pain.
What did Jesus say when He was put to death on a cross? Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
Sinners are blind to the truth. How can we hold them in judgment to our law when they are ignorant of it? First, their eyes must be opened to the truth. How will they see, unless they see God’s mercy in action? How will they know God loves them unless someone demonstrates it?
Think about it. Have we been waging a futile culture war against the Kingdom of Darkness expecting them to see the Light? You’re not going to convince the demons to change their stripes. You simply have to cast them out.
Our work environment is hostile to God’s children. The world hated Jesus and it will hate you too if you are loyal to Him. Remember that so that you don’t lose heart. Our King died on our behalf to ensure us who believe in Him eternal life. He did not die so that we wouldn’t experience trials and tribulations in this life.
A simple reading of the Gospels will reveal we can expect trouble for following Jesus. And that’s okay. He is with us in the fire. He is with us in the trial. He is with us in the suffering. Remember Jesus. Remember His way of life. Remember His sacrifice. And rise up, just like He did, resurrected in the power of God.
Death cannot defeat us. Our victory is in Christ. He already died and rose again on our behalf. Let us rise up in newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Igniter Ministries 
Thank you for sharing Dennis!
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