I was recently told about an individual by a friend of mine who, because of a stand he is taking for righteousness… because of his Christian faith… now must have bodyguards traveling with him everywhere he goes. This situation is not in a foreign Muslim country… it is in America! The United States!
Aside: How many of us have any point of reference for such? Better, why don’t we have a point of reference? Probably because we’re not being the kind of salt and light Jesus has called us to be. But that’s another post…
Were I able to talk with him I would encourage him, not with my own words, but from the Scriptures. Some of the passages would be…
Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake…
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Timothy 3:12 All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…
Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 15:18 If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Hebrews 10:32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Were I able to talk to him: I’d suggest that he meditate upon these passages often. I’d suggest he read them S-L-O-W-L-Y. I’d suggest he read these passages to his wife and children. I’d suggest him to “Trust in the Lord with all his heart and not lean on his own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
I’d tell him thank you for standing for righteousness… for doing what is right, regardless of the cost. I’d tell him that God is watching… and smiling… storing up rewards in heaven (Eternal rewards) that he will enjoy forever. Then I’d tell him that I will be praying for him often.