Have You Been Persecuted?

Maybe you are like me and sometimes when you read stories about the persecuted church around the world you can’t help but think “I’m so glad we don’t have persecution here in America.” It’s true that most of us will never have to face the kind of violence, danger or threats many of our brothers and sisters face for their faith. But will you face no persecution?

2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” It doesn’t say if you are persecuted but that you will be persecuted. Not only if you live in a Muslim country; not only if you were born in North Korea; but simply if you desire to live godly in Christ Jesus you will be persecuted.

If we have not experienced any kind of persecution for our faith we should ask ourselves two hard questions: 1. Are you really living for Christ? 2. Are you around any lost people?

Here is where I think the waters have become muddied in America. ‘Success’ as a Christian in our culture has become based on how well everyone likes us. We are told to be relatable, relevant and ‘down to earth.’ You might feel you are successful in witnessing the right way if everyone agrees with you and isn’t offended. There is certainly something to be said about using tact and wisdom, and we should never intentionally try to offend someone.  But it won’t always look that way. Jesus says in the gospels, “You will be hated by everyone because of me...” Ouch. Hate is a strong word.

Persecution and hate in the Middle East or North Africa towards Christians doesn’t come from them blending into their culture. And hate and persecution in the United States won’t come from being comfortable with the status quo either. It comes from being radically sold out for Jesus and from believing so much in His great commission that nothing stops you from sharing with others about it.

Yes, persecution will look different here and we are very blessed to live in this country. But maybe people will make fun of you because you won’t watch certain movies or because you choose to dress a certain way. They might call you uptight or a prude. People might despise you because you refuse to condone certain behaviors and act like them. Others might just think you are weird for loving a God you can’t see and reaching out to undesirable people. Or it could simply be something you feel God has personally called you to do; going into ministry, for example, that other people don’t agree with or understand. They will say you are delusional and misguided.  The Bible says you are blessed when this happens (Matthew 5:11; Luke 6:22).

God has called us to seek and save the lost and we can’t do that by hiding or blending in. The Word says we are the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13); you were made to stand out and it might not always feel like you are standing out in a good way. Christians around the world literally sacrifice their lives because they believe Jesus and His gospel is worth it. It’s time to lay down our self-image, our fear of being judged, ridiculed, misunderstood or excluded and it’s time to fix our eyes on Jesus. And not if but when, somewhere along the way, you are persecuted or hated you can “Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven...” (Matthew 5:12).

Your Turn: Here is one way to test this: When was the last time someone didn’t like you because you did the right thing or because of your faith in Christ? If you can’t remember the last time, you might want to re-evaluate your priorities.

"Grace Taylor" serves on the staff of VOM. She was first introduced to the ministry of VOM by her parents and grandparents, who received the VOM newsletter, and through the VOM book Jesus Freaks. She has served in 12 different countries and is passionate about helping expand God’s Kingdom throughout the nations of the world.