Do We Understand the Meaning of Persecution?

During Monday chapel at the US-MC we prayed for several individuals who are in prison for their faith. As I ardently keep these people in my heart and prayers, I am reminded of a conversation I had with my Bible study group a couple months ago as we read through Philippians. Do we, primarily as Americans, really understand persecution and therefore understand the power of Jesus Christ in the lives of those who are truly persecuted?

In the book of Philippians Paul is writing from prison, so clearly, joy in the midst of persecution becomes a major theme in the book’s 100, or so, verses. The Bible study group was talking about learning from Paul’s example by finding joy in Christ even through our personal persecution. This gave me pause wondering, have I ever been truly persecuted? Had anyone in that group? I would argue that people in the U.S. today do not face imprisonment or death for sharing their faith. (Of course there are exceptions to every rule.)

We might face the loss of a job or friendships because of our faith; we might be teased, bullied or shunned. This is persecution, but can we really understand the position of Paul or these men in prison around the world today? They remain constant in faith and rejoice in the Lord despite their imprisonment. Would I have that courage?

So often we are sucked into narrow-mindedness and increase our minor problems to eclipse real problems in the world that often don’t have easy answers. I complain when I don’t have enough money to buy a new pair of boots while sipping from a bottle of filtered and fortified water when children in South East Asia walk miles in ragged flip-flops for water that is potable. A person de-friends me on Facebook because of my religious beliefs and I feel an injustice has occurred; how petty are my woes when men are wasting away in prison for their faith and waiting for a trial before a biased judge.

I pray you and I will never have to face true persecution; that our biggest worries are those that pass easily in the night. But more so than that, I pray that we will remember Christians around the world who are suffering for their faith and the many who die because of it.

Here are a couple good sites that share stories and help with prayer ideas for the persecuted church. I hope you take time to visit them and add the persecuted church to your prayer life.

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/

http://www.onewiththem.com/