www.bible.com/1713/mat.5.10.csb
My Life of Christ Instructor at Johnson Bible College spoke to this subject when I was a student there that has always stuck with me. The late professor Bob Martin said of this passage, ”if you are not being persecuted, are you truly serving Christ?” now I pass this on to you.
His argument was that a servant of Christ ought to expect persecution, even in a Christian nation such as ours. If we can sail through this life without anyone calling us on our faith, was our faith really in evidence? Even working on hospital floors, you do get a little persecution, the scoffing and mocking of Christian values by those that believe they don’t need them. But there are places far worse to serve.
If you haven’t suffered persecution for your faith, are you making your faith the center of your life, or is your faith private? If you have suffered, then can I pray for you, and remember you, as Hebrews 13 directs? We are all on the same team. If you haven’t been persecuted, then you need to examine yourself to make sure Jesus is evident in your life. You also need to pray for those who are suffering, so that you may do the Lord’s will.
May we remember those who are persecuted. God bless them and you.
Meritt Musings 