Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 
(1 Corinthians 12:3)

As we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, our faith in Jesus takes root. However, it does not mean that our faith will not be challenged. Throughout the centuries, circumstances have arisen where believers have needed the help of the Spirit to hold on to what it truly means to be a Christian. Our faith about who Jesus is, what Jesus has done and how we live Christ within us through the power of the Spirit have been interrogated.

In the days following Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Jews – God’s chosen people – struggled to understand the Christian faith. For them, a crucified person was under a curse. (See Gal 3:13, referring to Deut 21:22-23) Therefore Jesus, to them, was a cursed man. But there were Jewish men and women who heard the good news and accepted Jesus into their lives. Their community treated them harshly as a consequence. They either had to renounce their faith in Jesus or face excommunication from their people. It is hard to turn from a community that you have known all your life and choose Jesus. 

Today men and women still face being ostracized by their community when choosing Christ – either because their choice is contrary to the faith practised in their community or because Christianity is seen as “a crutch” with no value. It can seem like a lonely road ahead. The Spirit will give those who choose Jesus courage, and we, as fellow Christians, should offer them, fellowship and love.

There was another challenge for those early Christians. The Roman Ruler, Caesar, was also referred to as Lord and was worshipped as such. Not giving Caesar his due was costly to the Christians. Powerful people in powerful places can make things very difficult for you if you do not play the game according to their rules. 

Today we still face powerful people in powerful positions who demand our unquestioning loyalty. This is how dictatorships begin and thrive. It is how corruption is able to survive and sadly become the societal norm. But for the Christian, the Spirit will continuously encourage life according to the way of Christ – in truth and love. There is no true peace to be found until we live this way.

What gentle, encouraging whisper might the Spirit be offering you today? 

Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe

Visit our website