The Lodestar

Jesus reveals the secret of the inner peace that a believer must enjoy while living in a tumultuous world. According to the Bible, the world is more than the planet and the atmosphere that envelops it but the people, values, and systems we interact with on earth.

This world makes our lives difficult. It has forces that oppose us, especially if we are unwilling to conform to its standards. For example, it is extremely difficult for an upright person to stand up against corruption in a corrupt workplace. It is tedious for a committed person to perform efficiently in a place known for sloth and mediocrity. That person will have to either conform to the dominant, corrupt values of the system, face opposition, or quit. The choices are limited.

But Jesus encourages them to “take heart.” Believers should not quit or conform; instead, they should stay true to their convictions.

The secret of survival in a corrupt world is that the Lord has subdued the world and has the last say in all situations. The world he defeated may still have some power, as a doused campfire may have some embers still glowing. But all situations are under the control of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Face the demanding daily situations, knowing that the Lord reigns over everything and nothing is beyond his control. But stay put because, as the clouds must give way to the sun shining behind, no troubling situations can hinder us forever because our Lord is the ultimate victor.

When the world around you demands compromise or wears you down, remember who reigns. Take heart, hold your ground, and face each day with the confidence that Christ has already overcome. Trust him to steady you through every trial. Stay faithful — your victory is secure in him.