A "Lost Sign" of Christianity
There are many outward signs of Christianity. “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). “…All men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). When people look at each of us, they should be able to see genuine love for brothers and sisters in Christ, and they should see us doing good works for as many people as we can.
There is, however, another sign of Christianity that we might forget. In our society of ease and luxury, it can be quite easy for us to forget that persecution is a sure sign of following Christ. There are many reasons why it is true that being pursecuted is a sign of being a believer in Christ, but, when evaluated, they all break down to one very simple fact: Christians are different from the world.
Those differences over the years have included such controversial issues as being opposed to slavery; teaching the truth on marriage, divorce and remarriage; being opposed to the mechanical instrument of music in the worship of God; and even being convinced of such simple things as the truth of God’s existence. When teaching the truth and opposing error with deep conviction, one will face persecution. That persecution could come in many different forms, but, be assured, it will come.
In the very first issue of The Mellenial Harbinger, Alexander Campbell wrote the following:
When opposed by the interested, by those whom the
corruptions of christianity feed with bread and gratify with honor, I will call
to mind the history of all the benefactors of men, and draw both comfort and
strength from the remembrance that no man ever achieved any great good to
mankind who did not wrest it with violence through ranks of opponents–who did
not fight for it with courage and perseverance, and who did not, in the
conflict, sacrifice either his good name or his life. John the harbinger of the
Messiah, lost his head. The Apostles were slaughtered. The Saviour was
crucified. The ancient confessors were slain. The reformers all have been
excommunicated. I know that we shall do little good if we are not persecuted. If
I am not traduced, slandered, and misrepresented, I shall be a most unworthy
advocate of that cause which has always provoked the resentment of those who
have fattened upon the ignorance and superstition of the mass, and have been
honored by the stupidity and sottishness of those who cannot think and will not
learn. But we have not a few friends and associates in this cause. There are
many with whom it shall be my honor to live and labor, and my happiness to
suffer and die.
Lest we forget, so many have given so much over so many years for the cause. Maybe those of us who preach or teach Bible classes need to do some more teaching on such passages as Hebrews 11:32-12:2, where those “unnamed” followers are spoken so highly of. We also need to keep Jesus’ very positive teaching in mind: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).
When was the last time you suffered for your faith? Maybe we need to look at how truly faithful we are.
