PERSECUTION
We turn our attention now to another major problem area
- PERSECUTION. To some Christians, persecution and suffering are topics
which they vaguely associate with Christian living. Persecution is not something
real in the lives of these various ones, and many of the scriptural truths
related to this topic are not clearly perceived and understood. They seem so
distant and the attitudes and response to persecution when it does arise are
rather disappointing for disciples of the Lord.
Let us take note of what the apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 4:12-16 - "Beloved
- do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for
your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you…"
When suffering and persecution do come, as God's children, we are not to be
surprised - it is not something strange or unexpected. In fact, it is an area
which we need to be prepared for if we seek to honour the Lord. The apostle Paul
himself declared that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted. The degree of persecution may vary, with differing intensity, for
different ones during different periods. Nevertheless, it is something God's
children will have to encounter, particularly in the last days. We should
therefore not be caught unprepared or off guard; persecution may not just be in
terms of physical sufferings, it may take the form of unfair treatment by men or
social disapproval by friends and even family members because of our faith.
The problems we encounter should be because of our faith and not because
of wrongful or foolish behaviour. The apostle Peter emphasised that the
suffering is for the name of our Lord and for being a Christian, and not because
of being a murderer, a thief, an evildoer or a troublesome meddler. There may be
those among God's children who find themselves in trouble because of foolishness
in their approach towards others and because of unwise responses in life. This
is not in the same category as suffering for the sake of the Lord.
The preparedness to suffer persecution as a Christian would help us in
our response, should such a situation arise. I remember interacting with a young
Christian some years back. He was lamenting that if he knew that Christian life
would involve so much pain and suffering, he would have hesitated in becoming a
Christian. Part of this, it seems, was due to how the gospel was shared with
him. The gospel was presented to him as a wonderful prospect for his life, full
of joy and meaning, and nothing much was mentioned about the cost of
discipleship and the prospect of suffering and persecution. So when persecution
did come, he was not prepared and he was badly shaken. Contrast this with a
Christian sister whom I know. She was one who understood the cost of being a
Christian and even though she had to leave home because of her faith and even
now has to endure the displeasure of her own family and friends, she continues
to press on in her walk with God. I am aware that it pains her heart to have her
own family members turning against her, yet her love for the Lord and
willingness to go on, despite the tears and agony, truly warm my heart.
The apostle Peter also touched on the attitude and response of Christians
in the midst of persecution. He said, "…to
the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing…if you
are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory
and of God rests upon you” (see 1 Peter 4:13-14). Yes, indeed, we are not
just to grit our teeth and to endure and to hang on; we are to rejoice and to
keep on rejoicing for we are truly blessed in the Lord! Peter went on to say
that for the one who suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed but in
that name let him glorify God. Our attitude and response during such a time can
be a positive testimony as well as a vehicle to glorify and to honour God. I
read about a Christian brother who died for his faith in his homeland. His
testimony and his words continue to be an inspiration to many to press on in
their walk with God. Before he died, he was asked this question. "Are you
not afraid that you would be a social outcast by becoming a Christian?" And
his reply was along this line, "I have thought this through over carefully
and I am not just prepared to be shunned by my people but I rejoice even if I
have to die for my Lord." This brother eventually gave his life for his
Master and his words and testimony live on in the hearts of many of God's people
in a land where being a disciple of the Lord would inevitably mean pain,
persecution and suffering.
James, the brother of the Lord, also wrote about the attitude of the
child of God towards times of sufferings and trials, in James 1:2-4 - "Consider
it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the
testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect
result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Here the apostle James highlighted one significant reason why we can rejoice in
the midst of pain and suffering. If we respond properly, times like these would
purify and strengthen our faith and they would serve to mould our character.
Something precious and wonderful can take place in our lives during periods of
persecution and trials and this is certainly something to rejoice in.
God does allow persecution and suffering to test and purify the faith of
His people. Looking at the history of the church, we may recall how the Roman
Christians were burnt at the stakes, stoned and thrown to the lions' den. Even
today, in some contexts, the Lord's people still undergo torture, imprisonment
and ostracism because of their faith. The church of God can become stronger and
purer during such times of testing.
The evil one uses the pull of this world and deception to ensnare the
people of God. In the area of persecution, the evil one is also very actively at
work. And the primary weapon he uses in persecution is FEAR. Fear of pain, fear
of suffering, fear of rejection - all these are harnessed to cause the children
of God to falter and to compromise. So when the pull of the world and deception
fail, the prince of this world would resort to fear as his offensive weapon. In
practice, different combinations of the three may also be employed at the same
time.
So, as we face the onslaught of persecution, let us pause and consider
several principles which may help us in our perspective and response. "Do
not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather
fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew
10:28). Let us take heart in the fact that the evil one is limited. He may
inflict pain and suffering on our body but he cannot ultimately touch our soul
if we remain steadfast and true to the Lord. The Scriptures remind us that the
sufferings in this world are only temporal; they cannot be with the eternal
weight of glory that awaits the faithful servants of God. Even physical death,
which seems so terrifying to those without God, has lost its sting for those who
have their eyes upon God and eternity. And the Lord would grant grace sufficient
for us in each moment of trial if we learn to look to Him and to cast our
burdens upon Him. The Lord, in His wisdom and faithfulness, would regulate and
He would not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able but will provide the
way of escape that we may be able to endure it. Hence, we need not succumb to
the fiery darts hurled at us by the evil one; we need not be fearful of those
who kill the body, for our lives and our souls are secure in the hands of our
dear Lord and Master.
Not only have we nothing to fear; in fact, we can count it a privilege to
suffer for our Lord and Master. The Lord will not overlook our faithful response
during such times. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when people
insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great; for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew
5:10-12). The Lord Jesus Himself here affirms that those who are persecuted for
righteousness sake and on account of Him are indeed blessed. They should be
glad, for their reward is great in heaven.
During times of persecution and suffering, let us not forget to look at
the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter, in writing on the
subject of suffering unjustly, sought to help the Christians to remember this
(see 1 Peter 2:19-24). The Lord has indeed left us an example for us to follow
in His steps. Let us learn to walk in the steps of the Master and let us always
remember that all our sufferings cannot ever be compared with what the Lord has
gone through for us at Calvary. Let us humbly learn from Him and seek to honour
Him in all our ways.