If You're In It For The (Worldly) Perks, You're In The Wrong Religion

If you live in the West, you don't really know what
persecution is. We may occasionally be mocked for
our beliefs, but across the world, people are forced to
meet and read scripture in private. Many others are
Killed for their beliefs. For more information, visit
http://www.persecution.net/

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (Matthew 24:9)

As sales pitches go, let's face it: this may well be one of the worst. But, as He gathered together His disciples and began to tell them of the time to come, Jesus wasn't interested in a pitch. As always, He was interested in the truth. And the truth is, as He reminded us multiple times, following the Messiah is not going to be easy. 

I honestly don't understand where we got this idea that Christianity should be sunshine and roses. That God was some magical, bearded grandfather sitting in His Heaven ready to grant the wishes of the devout. Jesus never promised we would have happy, pleasant lives in this world; indeed He promised the exact opposite. "In this world," He tells us in John 16:33, you will have trouble."

When He talks about following the path of God, Jesus uses the imagery of a small gate, and a narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14); of a camel threading the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). 

Even we who are fortunate to live in the Modern West find that a life following Christ isn't always easy. But we ache for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe. Why do they take the chance? Why do they risk persecution, and even death?

Well, Jesus did promise trouble, but He had other promises, too. John 16:33 has a caveat to that promise of trouble. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In Matthew 5:10-12, he promises, too, that the pain on this earth cannot last -- and that the rewards are worth it!

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Christians across the globe risk torture and death because they have a relationship with the Lord of the Universe -- the conqueror of this world's darkness -- and look forward to spending an eternity by His side! And that is something worth risking everything for!