Based on Acts 24 (New King James Version)
“Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus. These gave evidence to the governor against Paul. And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: ‘Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.’ And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: ‘Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. ‘Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation, in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult. They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council, unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ’ But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, ‘When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.’ So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.”
Through this passage, we see that there are difficult and very unfair moments that can be experienced for the Gospel’s sake. It is very likely that at some point in our lives we will suffer for doing good, for doing God's will. Whoever says that following Christ is easy, and that it only consists of prosperity, healing, and triumphs in this world, is either lying, or has no idea what following Christ is truly about. Because this is what the Lord Himself said: “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.” Mark 13:9. So, sooner or later, there will always be some kind of persecution for the Gospel. The Gospel is free, but a price must be paid for it.
But it is very probable that many will say when knowing this: “What is the incentive then to do the will of God if it is very possible that we will suffer for that here and now?” What the Christian must understand, if they really want to be saved, is that this world is temporary. This world and everything in it will pass away, and our life is only a moment compared to eternity. I know this feels like it's long, and that circumstances here can be very difficult just to survive, but nonetheless, all this is going to go away one day. All this will end. So, if we are logical and wise, what should we always keep in mind? Where will I spend eternity? What will happen to me in the great judgment of God? That is why the Apostle Paul himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and by his own conviction, wrote this: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17. Faith is the main incentive that we must have, the certainty that, if we fulfill God's will here on earth, at whatever the cost, that we will obtain eternal life through Jesus Christ. We have immortality in our hands if we obey God, despite the circumstances that we may have to live. The Word says this: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21.
Now then, how do we know that preaching the Gospel is necessary? This is what God’s Word says: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4. God wants everyone to know the Truth, to at least listen to it, and of course, because He wants all men to be saved, without exception. But, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15. Therefore, the Word says this also: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:11-12. So then, if you desire to obtain eternal life, let go of your flesh’s desires, leave sin behind, and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, facing whatever circumstance for the Gospel, so that when your moment comes where you will stand before God’s throne, that God Himself will say: “…‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” Matthew 25:21b. So, do you want to live well in this temporary world and lose your soul forever, or will you decide to suffer for these moments for the Gospel, but later, live eternally enjoying the gifts that only the Almighty King and God of the universe can give? Lord bless! John