Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In my life, I have encountered a few individuals that marked my soul by their boldness. Though they were made fun of, looked down upon, and misunderstood, with bold proclamation and seemingly fearless words, they loudly proclaimed Christ everywhere they went. Seeing the persecution that they encountered caused me to question if perhaps I should act as they did. Should I carry my Bible around? Is my Bible big enough to be seen? Do I need to get a Bible as big as theirs? Should I find this kind of loud, in-your-face boldness within myself?
There are many reasons to be persecuted in this life. People are persecuted for being different and not fitting in. This is called bullying. Some are persecuted for doing wrong. This is called punishment. What of these few Christians that I knew? Were they persecuted for righteousness, or for some other reason?
Simply stated, I cannot answer that question. Only God knows their hearts. That said, I can ask God to show me my own heart, and I must.
As I walk out this Christian life, I must ask the Lord, “Am I avoiding boldly proclaiming Christ because I fear persecution?” Sadly, many times I have allowed this fear of rejection and hurt to quiet my voice. However, I must also ask this question: “Am I experiencing persecution because of the message that I share or because of how I am delivering it?”
It is well with those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. It goes well with those who are persecuted for living as a Christian should live in this world, walking in a way fitting for those who have received right standing with God by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ. It is well with those who obey. It does not go well for others.
Jesus does not promise that it is well for those who experience persecution because they did wrong as is the case of those facing punishment. He does not promise that it is well for those who experience cruelty from those with influence as is the case in bullying. In each of these scenarios, something must change. In the case of the one doing wrong and being punished, they should cease their actions and change their ways. In the case of the one being bullied for not fitting in, the persecutors should be held accountable and required to change their ways.
In the case of the one being persecuted for righteousness, what can change? The world will not stop being broken until Christ returns. The believer cannot change their ways, for they are living in a way fitting of Jesus and obedience to God. The way we live might open the eyes of the blind. It might bring the proud to humility. It might show the world Jesus. It might shift eternity for the one who persecutes. This way of living must not change.
So what comfort do those who obey the leading of Christ have?
Those that live the way of Jesus and experience persecution, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to invite Him to inspect your heart for motivations. Perhaps the persecution you have been experiencing is one fitting of believers living in righteousness, and God is asking you to allow Him to reframe that suffering. Maybe the step that God wants you to take is to stand up against the cruelty that causes another to wrongfully suffer. Perhaps today God is asking you to pick up your Bible and proclaim with boldness.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
sign up just below for a daily reminder of the one step devotional. click here to return to devotional list.
*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 98, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 5:3–9) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).