Would Christians in America benefit from more persecution?
I have asked myself this question a lot. Because my flesh likes being comfortable.
I have asked myself this question a lot. Because my flesh likes being comfortable.
If we look historically (for example Christianity prior to the legalization of it by the Roman Empire in 313AD) and globally (ex: the Church in China) it seems that persecution does spark growth and boldness. More correctly it breaks us out of being comfortable and mediocre in our faith. The gravity of extreme persecution forces people to really consider their commitment to Christ, because if the Romans will feed you to lions for your faith you had better know you're committed first. In that case it encourages devotion and genuine commitment, as well as continual agitation to keep believers on their toes.
But persection does not guarantee these results, it is merely a potential catalyst. Persecution can spur us toward greater devotion but only if we allow it to. It can provide a refining fire to purify our faith, but it can also provide a spark for reaction and retaliation. Consider places like Northern Ireland where even Christians persecuting Christians only furthers violence. It seems that whether persecution would prompt us toward greater commitment to Christ or toward violence depends upon our ability and maturity to respond in a Christ-like manner. Another potential factor that unfortunately would play upon our fallen human nature would be how overwhelming the persecution is. In the face for the entire Roman Empire or the communist government the only hope followers of Jesus have is Jesus, and thus it leads them toward Jesus. But if we perceive in our fallen nature that in our own strength we can overcome the persecution, perhaps through violent retaliation, then the persecution which could prod us toward Jesus would only lead us deeper into ourselves.
How would this play out in the American Church? I don't know. I'd like to think we would respond with deeping devotion, but honestly I think that many Christians would react against persecution. I have observed in many Christians the view that we are the majority or dominant force in America. I don't think this view is correct, but it does make me think that this same view would push many Christians toward retaliation. If as Christians we have a mindset of "we're in control, don't mess with us" we will respond in that way. This idea sadly goes against Paul's writing in Romans 12:14-21.
In truth persecution should spur us on toward Jesus, forsaking this world for the Kingdom of God. Here are some passages to encourage followers of Jesus in persecution:
1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:13, 4:19,
James 1:2-4,
Romans 5:3-5
But persection does not guarantee these results, it is merely a potential catalyst. Persecution can spur us toward greater devotion but only if we allow it to. It can provide a refining fire to purify our faith, but it can also provide a spark for reaction and retaliation. Consider places like Northern Ireland where even Christians persecuting Christians only furthers violence. It seems that whether persecution would prompt us toward greater commitment to Christ or toward violence depends upon our ability and maturity to respond in a Christ-like manner. Another potential factor that unfortunately would play upon our fallen human nature would be how overwhelming the persecution is. In the face for the entire Roman Empire or the communist government the only hope followers of Jesus have is Jesus, and thus it leads them toward Jesus. But if we perceive in our fallen nature that in our own strength we can overcome the persecution, perhaps through violent retaliation, then the persecution which could prod us toward Jesus would only lead us deeper into ourselves.
How would this play out in the American Church? I don't know. I'd like to think we would respond with deeping devotion, but honestly I think that many Christians would react against persecution. I have observed in many Christians the view that we are the majority or dominant force in America. I don't think this view is correct, but it does make me think that this same view would push many Christians toward retaliation. If as Christians we have a mindset of "we're in control, don't mess with us" we will respond in that way. This idea sadly goes against Paul's writing in Romans 12:14-21.
In truth persecution should spur us on toward Jesus, forsaking this world for the Kingdom of God. Here are some passages to encourage followers of Jesus in persecution:
1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:13, 4:19,
James 1:2-4,
Romans 5:3-5
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