Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

                                                                                                   Matthew 5:10 

It’s in everything we see happening in our world today. The reality of spiritual warfare is something often denied but it is at the heart of all of the turmoil, hatred, and hostility in our modern culture. Two kingdoms collide in what is often perceived as merely disagreements or religious differences. In fact, religion itself often gets called out as the culprit for all of these problems. But in spite of all of this, believers should remain steadfast in the truth that Christ has already overcome this world and its troubles. When we belong to Jesus, we are victorious along with Him. For those refusing salvation in the name that is above all names, condemnation and judgment await. It truly is ironic that those who possess a hatred for Christ and His kingdom are actually reviling and rejecting the very One who came to deliver them from this world. And for those who follow Jesus, we can bet that persecution will soon follow.

Any persecution that I have encountered for my faith pales in comparison to the martyrdom and physical persecution so many Christians have faced in the past. By contrast, my difficulties are miniscule. But persecution will exist in the life of anyone outwardly declaring the name of Jesus. Everyone is either a part of the kingdom of God or they are not. Jesus explains it this way:

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

                                                                                                       John 15:18-20 

We see that the world hated Jesus first. Followers of Christ are merely experiencing the same persecution that the Creator of the universe faced when coming down from heaven. An invitation of love and acceptance was met with disdain, hatred, and the gnashing of teeth. I believe the foundational reason for all of this hatred toward God and His kingdom can be found in the attitude of the enemy. Humanity wants to be God. They want to be in control of all of their decisions, avoiding consequences, and declaring themselves to be something that they are not, all powerful.

Believers are often accused of “thinking that they are better than others.” It is actually quite the opposite. As believers, we understand that apart from Christ, we are helpless to save ourselves and that we are in need of a Savior. Christians have merely called on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13). With the Holy Spirit living on the inside and forgiveness from all our sin, we are free to live, really live!

But scripture tells us that mankind loves darkness rather than light (John 3:19). Sinners who need to be saved will turn to anyone or anything for relief from their plight instead of freely receiving the love, joy, and peace that comes only through Jesus.

Notice that Jesus tells us how we can tell who is on which side. If they persecuted Jesus, they will persecute us. If they live according to God’s Word, we will experience a unity and commonality with them as well. Just remember, persecution only validates on which side of this spiritual battle you are. Encourage those in the body of Christ and pray for those who persecute you!