There are 2 kinds of Christians, it seems. Those who are being persecuted and those who are not. Ironically, many times those who think they are, aren't and those who think they aren't, are. Even more ironically, they aren't even always different people. Sometimes we are one, sometimes the other.
Persecuted
Let me clarify that we are at war against the evil one. We must be on our guard against Satan's evil plans:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. - Ephesians 6:10-11
Furthermore, Jesus tells us that if we are of him, we will be persecuted just like him in Matthew 24:9 and John 15:20. Paul even tells Timothy in 2 Tim 3:12 that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted.
You don't have to search very far to find verse after verse telling us that we as followers of Christ will suffer and face persecution.
What is persecution?
However, I think we need to be awfully careful about what we classify as "persecution." For example, am I persecuted when....
- people take bible verses out of context or misquote the bible altogether?
- Christmas break is called "winter break," we have school on Good Friday, people say "Happy Holidays," and there is no prayer at graduation?
- I'm not allowed to talk about my faith with students/at my job?
- gay marriage is legalized?
- a Christian adoption/family service agency loses government funding for teaching about Jesus or placing children in only traditional homes?
- people say God is evil, dead or just doesn't care about us?
Who is our enemy?
It is equal parts hard and necessary to remember who our enemy is. Our enemy is not the jerk who cuts us off in traffic, it's not our boss who disrespects our boundaries and doesn't listen to us, and it's not even the identity thief or the terrorist. Our enemy is Satan. Also from Ephesians 6 is verse 12:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Satan is the one who blinds the eyes of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). They are his prey, just as we are. Let's view unbelievers as Jesus does. Paul tells us Jesus died for us all, not once we got our heart and beliefs right, but when we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Peter reveals God's heart for us yet again in 2 Peter 3:9, telling us how God doesn't want anyone to perish.
If we see other humans as the enemy, how likely are we to share the gospel with them? Do our hearts break for the lost or are we glad those evil-doers won't be in heaven with us? Have we forgotten how lost we would be without Jesus' sacrifice?
It's easy to give the "Sunday school answer" when it's just the guy who cut us off in traffic. Not so much with someone who hurt us more permanently, like an unfaithful spouse, or even more "unforgivable" sins, like the murderer or terrorist.
However, those who live at odds with God are in Satan's clutches and need saving. We are no better, for we know that we all fall short without his saving grace (Romans 3:23).
Comfort zone
Christians becoming offended at unbelievers' rejection of the Christian lifestyle and values is indicative not of faithfulness, but complacency. We want others to think like we do, to accept our values. We want it to be easy to follow Christ and for us to get ahead in this world by doing so. We want Christians to be viewed as "the good guys" and Christianity to be the popular choice.
Is that so wrong? Isn't it natural to want others to believe what we do and think like we do? It's for their own good, right? Sure. But don't mistake this natural, human desire as God's will. Jesus calls us out of our comfort zone. We are never told to seek safety and security, rather we are told of the persecution we'll experience and how it will make us better. It is because of our physical weakness and acceptance of Jesus' death that we have eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and 2 Corinthians 12:10). We shouldn't be surprised when we suffer for Christ because it is then that we are blessed (1 Peter 4:12-14), in fact, suffering shapes our character and gives us hope (Romans 5:3-5).
So are we persecuted or victorious? Yes!
We are surely persecuted, but no matter what we suffer or could afflict us, we more than overcome them because of the wonderful love of Christ, which no one or nothing can take away (Romans 8:35-39). What beautiful comfort, supreme joy! It seems when we are truly persecuted, we cling to His love and are better conduits of the Spirit, sharing His love with those around us. When we empty ourselves and are filled with him, that's when we are strong! But first we have to empty ourselves!
When I find myself getting annoyed and bemoaning unbelievers not acting like I think they ought to, I am falling into a trap. I am not here to make the world easier for myself by getting others to live right. I am here to share the GOOD NEWS, to shine in the darkness, to be salt and light.
I pray the Lord has convicted you as much as he has me about this. My ugly, unforgiving heart can't do this, that's for sure. I want those who hurt others to pay. I want this to be a Christian nation, and I don't want suffering or persecution, even though I know it will strengthen me and make me a better person. Let's together pray for God to take our defensive, complacent hearts and fill them with His Spirit, ready to share with the lost!
