persecution?

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Let me ask you this: how many of us Christ-followers in America today really believe this statement by Apostle Paul? “Everyone” means every one! Do you really want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus? Then the Bible makes it clear: you WILL be persecuted! Hmm!

Jesus said a similar thing to His followers in John 15:18-20, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” 

Since so few American Christians really believe these statements; since we feel that because we think we still live in a “Christian nation;” and so somehow we deserve to be treated nicely by our culture, could this explain why the church of America is shrinking? And could it also explain why the churches in nations where Christ followers are being persecuted—like China and Iran—are growing rapidly?

If that is at least partially true, what is the solution to getting the American church on fire and growing again? Do we need to seek persecution? Probably not. But we do need to quit worshipping our comfort and choose daily to follow the exhortation of Scripture found in many places, including the following:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:23-25)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2:15-17)

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)