Christ concludes with a call to maintain a perspective rooted in hope and perseverance, even in the face of suffering or discouragement. We see through history tha Christians face persecution.  We can think of postwar Europe and the commitment required of Christians under threat.  He highlights the continual need to evaluate priorities and find strength not in oneself but in the risen Christ. We might be tempted to give in to fear or pessimism, but believers are urged to pray, trust, and remember that their ultimate victory is in Christ, who has triumphed and secured new life for his people. The final exhortation is to cling to the Savior in humility, recognizing that lasting strength comes from him and not from human effort or institutions.

May we be a discerning people who are not deceived by the false teachers and prophets in our day.  Let us be a discerning people who seek to pursue our Lord as we walk in his wisdom.