All Those Who Live Godly

Second Timothy 3:12 reads, "All those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This isn't one of our favorite promises as Christians yet it does contain hope for us. Genuine persecution indicates that we are living in a God pleasing way. American Christians are informed about persecution even to death by organizations like Voice of the Martyrs but we don't usually consider it happening here. For some time I have been convinced that persecution is at the door, and the door is open. Strong prejudice especially in elite and media circles has been normal for decades. Four primary pillars of our society- free market capitalism, property rights, common law emanating from the consent of the governed, and strong Christian faith that produces a morality accepted by the surrounding culture are largely lost.
     As a life long student of history parallels to the Roman republic and the Weimar republic are eerie. While the Roman republic took longer to fall both eventually accepted dictators with dire consequences for themselves and the world. Advances in technology makes it possible for ever smaller numbers of people to control the rest.  Faith in the world political or economic systems is unwise. God can pull the plug on both at any time.
     How is a Christian to respond to ever greater pressure to surrender to the world? Matthew 5:39 tells us "Do not resist (physically, in context) the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." The author of Hebrews writes, "But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward." (Hebrews 10:33-35 ESV) May this be our attitude.