There’s no doubt that persecution is a stark reality of living the
Christian life. The apostle Paul warned us that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus told us to expect persecution from the
world because if they persecuted Him, they will persecute His followers also.
Jesus has made it very clear to us that those of the world will hate us because
they hate Him. If Christians were like the world—vain, earthly, sensual, given
to pleasure, wealth, ambition, the world would not oppose us. But Christians do
not belong to the world which is why they hate and persecute us (John
15:18-19). Christians are, or should be, influenced by different principles from
those of the world. We are motivated by the love of God and holiness, while the
world is driven by the love of sin. It is our very separation from the world
that arouses the world's animosity toward us. The world would prefer that we
were like them; since we are not, they hate us (1 Peter 4:3-4). So how should
the Christian respond to these persecutions?
Christian
Persecution
Early Christians were
persecuted for their faith, at the hands of both Jews from whose religion
Christianity was an offshoot, and the Roman Empire (especially under Nero)
which controlled much of the land early Christianity was distributed across.
This continued from the first century until the early fourth, when the religion
was legalised by Constantine I. There is also a history of individual Christian
denominations suffering persecution at the hands of other Christians under the
charge of heresy, particularly during the 16th century Protestant Reformation. In
the 20th century, Christians have been persecuted by radical Muslim and Hindu
groups inter alia due to conversion act conducted by Evangelicals, and by
(officially) atheistic states such as the China and North Korea. Currently (as
of 2010) an estimated 100 million Christians face persecution, particularly in
the Muslim world, North Korea and the hands of Hindu extremism in India, with a
rising tendency. With more and more people turning to human- philosophy based
beliefs, Christian persecution has become more shadow but treacherous and even
perpetuated by fellowship ‘church’ members.
Rejoice at the Persecutions
As faithful Christians, we must learn to recognize the value of
persecution and even to rejoice in it, not in an ostentatious way, but quietly
and humbly because persecution has great spiritual value. First, persecution allows us to
share in a unique fellowship with our Lord. In his letter to the Philippians,
Paul outlined a number of things he surrendered for the cause of Christ. Such
losses, however, he viewed as “rubbish” (Philippians 3:8), or “dung” (KJV),
that he might share in the “fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings” (Philippians
3:10). The noble apostle even counted his chains as a grace (favor) which God
had bestowed upon him (Philippians 1:7).
Secondly,
in all truth, persecution is good for us. James argues that trials test our
faith, work or develop (endurance) in our lives, and help develop maturity
(James 1:2-4). For as steel is tempered in the flames of the forge, trials and
persecution serve to hone down those rough edges that tarnish our character. Yielding
graciously to persecution allows one to demonstrate that he is of a superior
quality than his adversaries. It’s easy to be hateful, but an ugly disposition
throws a light upon our human weakness. It is much more Christ-like to remain
calm and to respond in kindness in the face of evil opposition. Without
question this is a tremendous challenge, but we have the power of the Holy
Spirit within us and the wonderful example of the Lord to encourage us. Peter
says of Jesus: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate;
when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to Him who
judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).
Third,
persecution enables us to value the support of true friends. Conflict sometimes
brings faithful children of God together in an encouraging and supportive way
they might not have known otherwise. Hardship can stimulate the Lord’s people
toward a greater resolve to love and comfort one another and lift one another
to the throne of grace in prayer. There’s nothing like an unpleasant incident
to help the more mature rise toward a greater level of brotherly love.
Conclusion
So, when we think about it
seriously, we can move ourselves forward, even in the face of antagonism,
whether from the world or within the church, and press on. We can thank God for
His grace and for His patience with us. We can express gratitude for those whom
we love in the Lord and who stand with us in times of distress. And we can pray
also for those who would accuse, misuse, or abuse us (Romans 10:1).
1Peter 4:12-16 says: 12Beloved,
think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you.13: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye
may be glad also with exceeding joy.14:
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of
glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on
your part he is glorified.15: But let none of you suffer as a
murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's
matters.16:
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him
glorify God on this behalf.
Finally, brethren, persecution is an inseparable part of our Christian
life so long as we live on this earth. But how often do you talk to God, Seek
comfort in the Holy spirit- our great comforter. Amen!
(courtesy: gobedo)
No comments:
Post a Comment