Are You Avoiding Persecution?
Posted on 04/27/2017 12:12:48 AM PDT by metmom
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness" (Matt. 5:10).
If you don’t experience persecution, people probably don’t know you’re a Christian.
I heard of a man who was fearful because he was starting a new job with a group of unbelievers whom he thought might give him a bad time if they found out he was a Christian. After his first day at work his wife asked him how he got along with them. "We got along just fine," he said. "They never found out I'm a Christian."
Silence is one way to avoid persecution. Some other ways are to approve of the world's standards, laugh at its jokes, enjoy its entertainment, and smile when it mocks God. If you never confront sin or tell people Jesus is the only way to heaven, or if your behavior is so worldly no one can distinguish you from unbelievers, you will probably be accepted and won't feel the heat of persecution. But beware!
Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you. . . . Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His glory" (Luke 6:26; 9:26). The last thing anyone should want is for Christ to pronounce a curse on them or be ashamed of them. That's an enormous price to pay for popularity!
If you take a stand for Christ and manifest Beatitude attitudes, you will be in direct opposition to Satan and the evil world system. Eventually you will experience some form of persecution. That has been true from the very beginning of human history, when Abel was murdered by his brother Cain because Cain couldn't tolerate his righteousness.
You should never fear persecution. God will grant you grace and will never test you beyond what He enables you to endure (1 Cor. 10:13). Nor should you ever compromise biblical truth to avoid persecution. In Philippians 1:29 Paul says that persecution is as much a gift of God as salvation itself. Both identify you as a true believer!
Suggestions for Prayer
Memorize 1 Peter 2:20-21. Ask God to continually grant you the grace to follow Christ's example when difficulties come your way.
For Further Study
Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33, noting the severe persecution Paul endured for Christ's sake.
Studying God’s Word ping
One of my coworkers recently called me “church guy” with a curled upper lip and a sideways glance. It happened at the time clock on the way out. All conversation stopped, all eyes were on me, I smiled, said nothing, and shrugged one shoulder. Conversation resumed, nothing else said.
On any given day I’d be arguing with 20 to 30 liberals over various religious or moral subjects.
Couldn’t give a damn what they think and changed a few minds. Well, God did.
That was in my 30s. 49 now and REALLY dont give a dam.
This thing here isn’t forever.
The next light is.
I’ve never really been persecuted for being a Christian, although I’m never afraid to admit it. Then again, I don’t scream it at the top of my lungs wherever I go. It just means I haven’t had the opportunity. If I had to choose between admitting I’m one or death, as others have done, I hope I would choose death. “Do not fear those who can kill the body and after that can do nothing else”, said Jesus.
God may give you a blessing out of corporate rejection. Three companies that I interacted with have in my opinion evidenced such attitudes to what they call “industrial chaplains”: GE, Dupont, and AVX. Plus some others. But the effect is never outright. It is generally hidden in promotion issues, bonuses, satisfying assignments, attitudes of fellow workers. The effect is far more serious for exempt professional staff and management than it is for non-exempt or wage-roll hourly employees. In the end, when push comes to shove regarding staff reduction, usually the outright known Christians take the hits, whereas those who have Christian behavior and are submissive generally can ride the waves through the hard times. We’ll see when it comes to the sheep vs goat issue. But if one is near retirement, the Lord will see one through if you can live frugally and keep on tithing.
There's a difference between being persecuted for being a Christian and being made fun of because you're acting like an idiot.
If I had to choose between admitting I’m one or death, as others have done, I hope I would choose death. “Do not fear those who can kill the body and after that can do nothing else”, said Jesus.
Likewise.
Although, I've come too close to dying and it loses its power to cause fear.
However, it's the process I'm not excited about. There are ways I definitely don't want to go and the will to live is strong so part of me just isn't going to accept it, even though I KNOW that it'll be far better.
I once asked my pastor to teach on persecution. He responded that it wouldn’t be a big draw. When persecution hit America hard, I expect a 90% falling away, just like what happened in Communist Russia.
I wouldn’t be surprised.
My life parallels yours, in my 60’s now, what’s a ‘give a dam’?
Times will tell, eh? It's not up to us to judge; only to estimate and react accordingly. Everyone needs the Gospel, regardless of how saturated one is with it.
give a damn. :) Trying to keep it clean.
What do i have to look forward to in my 60s :)
If it’s good I hope we keep paralleling
Retirement, a beautiful wife that stands fast beside me, hunting, fishing, traveling...
Score!
If I had to choose between admitting I’m one or death, as others have done, I hope I would choose death. “
God obviously did not intend for every one to go around trying to preach the gospel, most of us are better at planting corn than preaching Christ.
If we do unto others as we would like them do unto us we are making a better statement than we could ever make in words.
Against denying to be one, rather. He died for us, we should be willing to die for him.
Against denying to be one, rather. He died for us, we should be willing to die for him.
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