Examine yourself:
“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” Galatians 6:3-5 (NKJV)
We have to come to the Word of God, which acts like a mirror, to know how far is our spiritual life. We should see ourselves, examine ourselves and correct ourselves very strictly. This is what God wanted us to do and if everyone corrects his own-self, the whole society changes without much effort. Jesus said, ““And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:41-42 (NKJV)
Follow True religion:
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:26-27 (NKJV)
True religion is to take care of orphans and widows when they are in trouble and also to keep away from the corruption of the world and live a set apart life. Catholic priests and nuns are examples of such life and even as family men and women could also do so by making sure they follow these principles in their lives.
Suffer persecution:
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” II Timothy 3:12-13 (NKJV)
Persecution follows those who really live a godly life in Christ Jesus. “So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.” Mark 10:29-30 (NKJV) So if people treat you badly do not be surprised: this is part of living life for Jesus.
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” James 1:16 (NKJV); Luke 6:22-26(NKJV)