Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In a world where we live in constant conflict, it seems that one area we don't want to experience conflict in is our spiritual life. Persecution is a difficult thing to endure, but if you walk with God at all you will find that it will be a constant in your life. Jesus said that the world will hate us because of Him and our bearing His name (Mark 13:13). We should expect that spiritual conflict and persecution is just part of our life as a Christian. Persecution takes on many forms but has at it's root the fact that the Kingdom of God is always in conflict with the Kingdom of Darkness.
Persecution comes from the world and those who live by it's dark principles. The world does not understand the life we live and will never accept how we serve the Lord. Persecution comes in subtle ways like snide comments. It also comes through direct attacks on us as Christians. The power of God emanating from our lives makes people uncomfortable and they react to that discomfort by lashing out. Believers have lost their jobs, been passed over for promotion, denied access, and outright fired because of their faith. This type of persecution is usually not overt but "under the radar" especially in the United States where laws are in place to prohibit this type of activity. Persecution from the world can also go all the way to the other end of the spectrum. Millions have lost their lives the past 2000 years because of their dedication to God and His call on their lives. We need to be ready to give our lives for God and His Kingdom. The truth is this - if we don't have a faith worth dying for we don't have much faith at all. This is why it is important to live in communion with the Lord. If we are in the faith then we expect persecution and know that if we aren't experiencing it in some form then we are probably "in the closet" practicing our pseudo faith. Just giving God an occasional nod and calling out when we need help.
Sometimes persecution will come our way from and unexpected source - the religious hypocrites who despise those living in real faith right in front of them. I have at times called these people "the church bucket brigade". They stand ready and willing to throw cold water on anyone who is on fire for God. Strong faith creates action and action exposes those who are living in religion instead of relationship. Many pastors who have dedicated their lives to the Lord and His body have been broken and cast aside because they challenged the hypocritical leadership of the church. It is hard to stand and preach what God has given you and know that the feathers of those who are the target of the Holy Spirit are going to resist and sometimes in a vicious manner. Dedicated men and women of God have been slandered and run down by lies and religious conspiracy. Pastors also have been the source of persecution. There have been men and women who were living a lie and don't want to be challenged by some of their flock whose spiritual fire has been ignited by the Holy Spirit. What do you do if you are persecuted by those who should know better? REJOICE!! We are in good company. The Lord Jesus Christ was hated more by those who were legalistic practitioners of religion than by those of the world.
We have a promise in this verse. If we are persecuted we know that we are walking on the path toward the kingdom of heaven. We are citizens on a higher plane of existence. This world is temporary but the God's kingdom is eternal...that's what I've been thinking about....
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