How to handle 21st Century persecution in the USA

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"(Matthew 5:10).

When we hear the word "persecution," we often think of imprisonment and martyrdom. And that’s what many of our brothers and sisters are facing in the world today. We must not forget that.

"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Hebrews 13:3).

We ought to want to know more. Two books are helpful: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and Jesus Freaks. And two organizations can help us stay informed: Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors.

While we must be informed and in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world, we ought not to minimize what believers in North America might be facing. If we don’t call milder forms of persecution persecution, then we won’t handle it the way Jesus teaches us to handle it.

The word "persecuted" means to be harassed, troubled, or mistreated. The word "reviled" that Jesus uses in Matthew 5:11 means to be reproached [criticized, blamed, insulted, condemned, scorned]. Jesus uses another phrase, too, in Matthew 5:11. "All kinds of evil uttered against you" includes slanders, lies, rumors, and scandalous accusations.

So, you might say, "I'm not dying or in jail for my faith in Christ like my brothers and sisters overseas. What I’m going through is not persecution." That might sound humble and noble. 

But if you are being verbally abused or insulted or laughed at or mocked at work, at school, or at home it’s a form of persecution. To minimize it does a disservice to a son or a daughter who might be facing ridicule for their faith at school.

It’s helpful for us think of persecution in two ways: Types and Degrees.

Persecution comes in many forms. Yes, we read of believers being burned and shot and murdered. And  yes, some people will actually do believers harm if they can. It's been said that more people have died for Christ in the 20^th century than all the other centuries combined. It continues today in the 21st Century.

Here in America, we find ourselves in a Post-modern culture that is increasingly becoming more and more hostile to our faith. Tolerance is the key virtue. In spite of that, though, ridicule and mocking the Biblical worldview is the norm. Just about everything and everyone is off-limits to criticize or ridicule or speak against except for Christians. People who seek to apply Biblical values to public life and who believe Jesus is the only way to be saved will be ostracized. It seems to be open season on Bible-believing, righteous-living followers of Jesus.

It’s time to prepare ourselves our children to live in a world increasingly hostile to followers of Christ.

The word "persecution" literally means “to pursue.” You’ll be hounded. Your friends and family may joke about you. Perhaps you’ll be passed over for a promotion. You might face personal insults – sneering and jeering and laughter and whispers. You might be marginalized. Your words might be twisted and your actions misrepresented. You might be “disinvited” to social functions. Teachers might ridicule you or ever grade you down if you have Christian content. Get really serious about Jesus and people will think you are a fool or a fanatic.

Has anything like this happened to you? I hope so.

May we become convicted by the Spirit of God if we can go day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year and never face persecution of any kind.

Let's pray, " Lord God, let me more and more be like You. I know that if I stand up and speak out for You and Your kingdom, I will suffer at least mild forms of persecution. Help me be willing to suffer. Help me be faithful to You all the way to the end of my life. Use me to bear witness and bring many people to You. Help me never be ashamed of You or Your gospel. Keep me loyal and true so that I can even count it a joy to suffer for You. In Jesus' name. Amen."