7/8/13- Perseverance Under Government

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (John 15:20)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...Rejoice and be glad because great is  your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.
(Matthew 5:10,12)

Thoughts: Jesus faced persecution by both the Jewish Sanhedrin and the Roman government.  Debates about who is more to blame are useless.  Governments from every continent have persecuted Christians.  Christians have always recognized the importance of government as a gift of God.  Jesus never spoke against the idea of government.  But because of persecution there is often a tension between government and church.  This usually starts  when the government sees no benefit in morality or faith. Though Christians may pray for their nation and government, their ultimate allegiance is to their King- Jesus, and perhaps this threatens governments or makes them feel uncomfortable.  Rome required worship of their emperors (with a pinch of incense before his statue), but Christians refused to do this.  Christians may serve as soldiers or government employees or politicians- giving themselves and pouring out their efforts and lives for their country.  Yet, some governments are offended that they cannot control total allegiance as if they were god, and so persecution breaks out.  Jesus said to expect it (see verse above).  There are an average of 159,960 Christians martyred every year (Gordon Conwell world report), but many more are persecuted.  The burning of churches in Egypt was one reason that Egyptian Christians did not like the Morsi government that turned a blind eye to these attacks.
     Perseverance is a very important Christian concept that spills over into all of human life.  Determining to keep the faith no matter what is important whether persecution comes from the government, from mobs, or individuals.  Jesus set the example of perseverance unto death.  Perseverance shows passion and love of God as well as the personal purpose and peace faith may bring.  Perseverance or "grit" as some call it- is important in anything you do (cf. Angela Lee Duckworth in TED talk 5/9/13).  Some say this grit is a more important ingredient in learning than IQ and a more important ingredient in job success.  Faith which brings meaning and purpose and peace under persecution can be a key ingredient to getting this "grit" or perseverance.
     Jesus said that blessed are those who are persecuted for they obtain the kingdom.  In other words- ultimate success often comes with suffering and hardship (which may include governmental persecution).  Tertullian rightly said , "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church."  Wherever the church has been faithful in the midst of persecution the church has grown in strength. 

Prayer: Lord give me the true grit to persevere through my crosses and hardships today. Bless those who are persecuted throughout this world with faithfulness and strength. 

(Saeed Abidini- Iranian American arrested in Iran for planting churches.  He was told in April to "deny your faith and turn back to Islam or face life in prison.")