Most of us have seen that Mel Gibson movie, Brave Heart. If you recall, Gibson portrayed Scotland's legendary hero from the 13th Century, William Wallace, who's great exploits delivered Scotland from English rule.

At the end of the film we find Wallace, instead of seated on his golden throne, being slowly tortured to death at the hands of his enemies -- thus the name, Brave Heart.

Recently, a well known Southern Baptist Bible teacher has begun saying we Christians need to begin preparing for our persecution. Friends, I've been saying that too. But, when I say something like that, I'm accused of being anti-pretribulation rapture. And, because I've publicly stated that I don't know when the rapture will occur, I've been assigned to my place at the back of the end-times bus.

But, you know what? I've never minded sitting at the back of the bus. You see, if you want to watch what's really going on, you have to sit at the back of the bus. For example, we all know the person who always likes to stand up at the front and remind us how we all have been blessed. Have you noticed? Usually, the person reminding us is the one among us who has been the most blessed?

There's nothing wrong, a course, with reminding ourselves of all our blessings. However, if that's all we ever do, instead of developing a brave heart, I fear we're more likely to develop a fat heart. In the Palms we read:

You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes. The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Your precepts. Their heart is covered with fat, but I delight in Your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces (Palm 119: 65-72 New American Standard Bible).

No, there's nothing wrong with counting our blessings. But, there's also nothing wrong with sitting at the back of the bus. In fact, the way this world is going, the day may soon come when we all find ourselves sitting back here.

Friends, it's really not that bad.