Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Persecution

Over the weekend 8 Christians were martyred in Pakistan. Six were burned alive, and two were shot. Simply for proclaiming the name of Christ.

Here in America, where our idea of persecution is being rejected or mocked at worst, we not only take for granted our freedom to call ourselves Christians, but we often hide behind the label. Somewhere along the way what it means to be a follower of Christ has been watered down to living in comfortable homes and driving comfortable cars and sitting in a comfortable pew on Sundays. We forget to be grateful for clean water, food, shelter, education, freedom of religion, and ultimately the grace that has undeservably been lavished on us. We forget about our brothers and sisters in Christ that are living out their faith, and ultimately dying for their faith.

In a time where more Christians are being martyred than ever before, I ask that you would remember what it really means to be a follower of Christ, and remember those who are suffering for His name. In our comfort it has become too easy to block out the outside world. When we do this we are disabling the body of Christ. We each have an important responsibility in the body, and as we all know the body works best when the parts work together. As a country with so many resources, we have the capability to be a mobilizing force, but instead it seems as though we have become paralyzing.

I ask that you take the time to examine your own life and question what you are contributing to the body of Christ. And while your at it, pray for our brothers and sisters who are acting as the hands and feet.

No comments: