Anchor My Faith

Those Who Are Persecuted

Scripture: Matthew 5:10

The next beatitude is different from the preceding seven we have covered. Those pertain to some inner quality of a believer that when lived out produces a positive result; a benefit to themselves. The eighth beatitude, when lived out, results in opposition: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

This is a difficult concept for the western Christian to understand and/or accept. Why should we have to suffer for our faith and how can it be a blessing to be persecuted? This is compounded by the statement by Paul: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV). Is this a true statement or not? That may depend upon which culture you using to determine that. Based on the value we place on living under a system of rules and laws, the statement may not always be seen as true. In the culture in which Paul wrote where value is placed on relationships over rules, the statement is true because exceptions to rules are permitted for certain people. It is easy to find examples of people living godly lives, doing the work God has called them to do, free from persecution, but in general people living godly lives will experience persecution.

Jesus adds another layer to this by saying: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18 – 19 ESV). Since we are not hated by the world here in the west, does that mean we have become enough like the world to be seen as one of their own? Again there may be exceptions for some, but if you stand out as different than others and are seen as being more righteous, then there is a really good chance you will be hated and thus persecuted.

Enough said about the implication that, on the most part, western Christians are not holding to righteous biblical standards of living, but are maintaining their desire of comfort, safety and security and thus are avoiding persecution. If the Bible is true then there will be persecution for most and if there is, is there a benefit? From my experience with those who live under persecution and from my own experience while living in Asia, I believe there is a benefit from persecution.

Our space is gone to say more in this lesson, but there is much more to say. Something for you to think about until the next lesson; “Does the discomfort of regular physical exercise benefit your health?” That physical exercise always involves some form of resistance. Is it possible that persecution is a resistance that benefits spiritual growth like trials do?

Prayer

Father, James, Peter and Paul tells us to count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds because of the benefits produced in Christ-like character. Is it not possible that these trials, (possible persecutions) are the resistance, like in exercising, that is needed for spiritual health? Father, we need to look and see where Christianity is growing and where it is dying. In countries of persecution the church is growing, but in other countries, churches are closing at an alarming rate.