Do you know that there’s a “bent” against Christianity? Not necessarily against religion or politics, but specifically against Jesus and the Gospel. Very few would ever come right out and say that, but it’s true. Jesus’ own words in Luke 6:22 give us a pretty good definition of persecution. “Blessed are you when men hate you when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” Look closely at those four verbs Jesus uses. Hate. Exclude. Insult. Reject. Those words pretty much sum up the bent against Christianity.
Here’s the key. It is not you. It’s Jesus. Because of Him, you and I can become a target. Philippians 1:29-30 says, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have So, when we share in Jesus’ sufferings (hatred, exclusion, insults, and rejection) we become heirs who will also share in His glory.
Many of us operate with the assumption that this was something strictly found in history and the past. The truth is that there are Christians in the world and our country who face persecution and restrictions because of their faith in Jesus Christ. We can be marginalized and sidelined simply because of our faith and our values. Look at the words defining persecution. You tell me. Do these exist against Christianity, Christ, and you as a follower of Christ even here in America? Are Christians and Christ hated? Are they excluded? Are they insulted? Are they rejected? Every day of every year, and on every continent, men and women face persecution because they believe in Jesus Christ.
So what do you do? The world, and in our context, our country, is looking for individuals who are courageous, bold, and fearless in the face of persecution, exclusion, insult, and hatred. Stand up for your faith and the values that embody your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”