Matthew 10:24-25 ESV A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
American Christians had a good run. For the first few centuries of our country we were the dominant religion. Our society held Biblical morality as the highest ideal, if not actual practice. Being a practicing Christian was not only accepted but generally admired.
That situation has changed. The culture has shifted against us. Biblical morality is now considered narrow-minded and hateful. Living in a manner consistent with Biblical teaching is barely tolerated and sometimes a cause for discrimination. I believe this situation will only get worse until open persecution will be the norm.
The popularity that Christianity has enjoyed in America has been a blessing, but it was a statistical anomaly. For the last two thousand years, wherever the gospel has spread throughout the globe it has generally face opposition and oppression. This is because the devil is the prince of this world (Ephesians 2:2, John 16:11) and Christians are the invading force. The devil stirs up the people in his grasp against us in a vain attempt to hold his territory against the onslaught of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus warned us this would happen. In the passage above Jesus clearly states that His people would face the same opposition that He did. Which makes perfect sense since we are the body of Christ on earth (Colossians 2:19). The devil opposes us with the same ferocity that he opposed Jesus.
During Jesus earthly life-time He was slandered, opposed, falsely accused, and unjustly punished. As Christians, we should expect the same. It has been God’s mercy and blessing that we haven’t had to face that for the last few centuries, but that is the past. The future promises to be much different. The future will be much darker.
In some ways this is a good thing. Our light will shine much brighter in the growing darkness. Also, a body becomes stronger when forced to deal with opposing force (weightlifting). This is also true of the body of Christ. Persecution always strengthens God’s people. Our cultural acceptance in the past has made the Church a bit weak and flabby. We are collectively not used to having to fight.
But we need to adapt our mindset. Too many Christians expend their energy trying to drag our culture back 50 years. That isn’t going to happen. I’m all for using the ballot box for standing up for what is right, but I am convinced that we are in the last days and those days will get increasingly darker.
However, if Christians expect the oppression and persecution that has already begun to continue, then we can prepare our hearts to lives holy lives and respond in steadfast love when faced with that reality. Christianity will never drive the American culture the way it once did but we can still be a powerful force in advancing the Kingdom of Heaven and the gates of hell will not be able to stand against us.
Almighty God, You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. Strengthen us as we face opposition and persecution. Give us courage and a heart to lovingly and faithfully represent You to the world.