Standing for Christ

Christians are dying in some parts of the world. That’s extreme persecution.

Have you ever experienced persecution? You should have. You must know that persecution is a likely consequence of standing for Christ. We might expect it, even rejoice in it (Matt 5:11; Acts 5:41). If we discern the times (I Chron 12:32) and hold fast to that which is truly good (I Thess 5:21), we may attract disfavour, even persecution, but that shouldn’t deter us. Holding unpopular views might invite ostracision, the community might count us oddballs, but so be it. Noah wasn’t deterred; neither was Daniel, nor Stephen, nor Bonhoeffer; nor those Egyptian Christians whose recent refusal to convert to Islam cost them their lives.

It is way too easy for us Kiwis to fade into the cultural undergrowth, to live and think safely, indistinguishable among the people we work with, socialise with. Keeping our head down allows us to live trouble–free, comfortable lives. But even here – especially here – we are called to stand tall, light shining; to “confess Christ before men” (Matt 10:32), to speak up for the oppressed (Isa 58:6–10; Luke 4:18), and for the sake of righteousness (Ps 40:9–10), however unfashionable.

The world will tell us what to think, but the Word is our foundation and we a people apart. Unsubmitted to the world’s standards, we stand with Christ, and for his righteousness.

Apart from anything else, we owe it to our martyred brethren.

Ken Francis