We American Christians seem to have a different perspective about persecution than many other Christians in the world. Many of us seem to think that the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the widening cultural gaps between us and the rest of our country are examples of persecution; however, we are still free to gather openly and worship God, while many Christians throughout the world are not. While we may be uncomfortable on occasion because of our faith, we are not persecuted.
That troubles me. I certainly do not desire to face the choice of rejecting my faith in Christ or dying or watching my family be killed, which does happen throughout the world. What I do desire is to be more like Jesus, and it troubles me because I know that Jesus was persecuted, even to the point of death. In John 15:20 Jesus said, “‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Paul made it clear that persecution is an identifying mark of being a Christian; in Romans 8:17 Paul wrote, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
It troubles me more knowing that in 2 Timothy 3:12 Paul wrote, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Does this mean that the reason we are not persecuted is because we are not living godly lives? I pray that it means our country’s Christian heritage is strong enough that we continue to enjoy living among Christians, if not merely among people who continue to hold fast to Judeo-Christian principles. However, that will not continue for much longer if Christians do not live the godly life in Christ Jesus to which Paul refers. As we continue to grow together in our faith and knowledge of Jesus, let us help each other live godly lives in Christ Jesus so that we will know for sure that we are persecuted for our faith.