If you attended church yesterday, did you risk being beaten, harassed, or persecuted in some way?
Probably not.
Count your blessings. Some church-goers around the world literally take their life in their own hands when they attend church.
Persecution is real in many countries around the world. Many world citizens do not experience the blessing it is to freely worship.
In the U.S., October is Clergy Appreciation month. In many countries, pastors are regularly beaten, kidnapped, and even killed in countries where they are not welcome.
In the U.S., we complain when the church building is too hot. In other countries, church attenders face the real risk of the church building being bombed during services.
In the U.S., friends and family attend baptism services celebrating a loved one’s new found faith in God. In other countries, friends and family consider a relative to be dead if they convert to the way of Jesus. The relative is literally kicked out of the family.
In the U.S., the pastor worries if he speaks too long or bores his flock. In other countries, pastors are worried that they will be executed for speaking.
In the U.S., college administrators are revered for their leadership in education. In other countries, their homes are torched for leading young people in the “wrong direction.”
Most of my readers will read this with no serious threat to their life today.
We enjoy the comforts of living in a free society where we may not believe the same but we are able to worship as we wish without threat of persecution. Obviously, this is not true for other world citizens. For those people who literally put their lives on the line for their faith, we should pray and support. What a shame that God’s people cannot enjoy the freedom that He has given us.
You can read more about persecuted believers here:
CompassDirect.org
Persecution.com
OpenDoorsUSA.org
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Sobering point to remember. When I was stationed in Iraq, stories of persecution to Christians and other minority religions were quite common. Unfortunately most chose to leave the country and not come back.
Thanks Pete! Hope you’re sailing is smooth.
Gene, thank you for sharing these thoughts. It’s something I’m thankful I’ve never had to experience. Growing up, I used to be shy about mentioning God at school. I remember a group in high school who met in the front lobby weekly to pray as people were walking by, and the time or two I went, I was nervous about what people would think if they saw us. I thank God for giving me a boldness that took these things away as I decided to let go of my concerns and fully trust in Him in these matters years later. I say all of that to say that it’s sad to think I behaved this way while people literally risk their lives attending church, sharing their faith, and leading others to Christ. For no other reason, they are persecuted, and many have been martyred. They would love the public opportunities that I often took (and still take) for granted. Let us so what we can for these people who have such a deep love for Jesus that they decide daily it’s worth their lives.
Thanks Matt….and thanks for tweeting about this too.