Are all Christians persecuted?
Question:
I have a question about a verse that tells us that all godly Christians shall suffer persecution.
II Timothy 3:12 states: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
This verse concerns me because I've been a Christian since I was 12 (I'm now in my fifties), and I can't think of a single instance of persecution that I've suffered. I've had a few people who turned me down (or didn't show up) for Bible studies, but they were polite, and I certainly didn't feel persecuted. I was never persecuted in school, not even in college.
At my job, virtually everyone is a "Christian" (I live in the Bible-belt, where atheists are few and far between), and my boss is very religious as well, so there's little chance of being persecuted at my workplace.
My being a Christian has prevented me from persecution from my family because everyone in my family is a member of the church.
I'm fearful that my lack of persecution means that I'm missing something I should be doing, or that I'm not truly a godly person. I don't feel that I've been avoiding persecution; it's just never happened (that I'm aware of).
This has me worried that I need to be doing something ASAP that would expose me to persecution, but I have no idea what I should do.
Thanks for your excellent website, it's a great resource for members of the church everywhere.
Answer:
"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (II Timothy 3:12).
The darkness of the world and the light of Christ are in opposition and naturally give rise to conflict.
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain" (Philippians 2:14-16).
"For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead" (I Peter 4:3-5).
It isn't that worldly people don't exist in your area, but it is easy to stay in our comfort zones and forget that there are people to talk to about the Gospel. You don't have to be obnoxious or stand on a street corner with a megaphone, but we should be reaching out to those whose lives have been ruined by sin. Most will dismiss what you have to say, but some will realize that a lifeline is being offered.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).
Christians should not be timid about their identity. Sure, letting people know that I don't drink causes those who do drink to look at me strangely. Mentioning that God did not permit instrumental music in HIs worship in the New Testament annoys those who love to play instruments. Too often, we avoid commenting on controversial topics because we don't want to deal with the conflict of thought. Have you ever heard someone talk about living with his girlfriend? Have you asked him why he doesn't get married as God requires? Try telling your co-workers that someone obeyed God's command to be baptized for the remission of sin this week. Someone is bound to disagree and tell you that baptism isn't necessary.
Again, it is not that you are searching out conflicts. You are letting people know what the Bible teaches when opportunities arise, in the hope that some will be interested in learning more. Nor am I saying that a person will constantly face persecution. There will be calm times. However, the best times of growth are when you face those who disagree with what you stand for.
