Like most people, I love to be comfortable, so when I moved to South Korea in 2002 and then to the Middle Kingdom the next year, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I left a middle school teaching position I absolutely loved, sold my ranch home out in the sticks, and gave away my dog - like a classic country song. I moved to a nation where the language sounded nothing like English, ate a ton of fermented and spicy food that worked my system, and accepted a low-paying, not very stimulating job. When I moved to a much bigger East Asian country the next year, American comforts dropped even more. I spent time on crowded buses and smoky taxis, struggled to communicate what I wanted, and received lots of stares.
Despite the challenges I faced, I can't say enough good things about my 14 years outside of America as an adult. I grew tremendously in my faith, and I learned so much from the community-first approach and service culture I saw in East Asia. There is much we can learn from visiting and living in countries around the world; things that can't be taught in books. Another thing I learned was how easy we Christians have it in the States. I hear some American Christians talk about the growing opposition we face in our country, but this pales in comparison to what many of our brothers and sisters face in many parts of Africa and Asia. This doesn't mean we won't face persecution. It just looks different.
Christian persecution in extreme cases results in physical harm, imprisonment, and death. Think North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen. While you and I may not experience that kind of persecution, we might be disrespected, excluded, mocked, or have hateful words hurled at us. If you've experienced any form of this due to your beliefs in Jesus Christ, you've experienced persecution. Is this something we're teaching our children, or are we sheltering them from the hardships of reality? Jesus promised that if we follow Him, we will be persecuted (John 15:20). We must prepare our children to understand that followers of Christ will sometimes be ridiculed, rejected, teased, or yelled at for believing what the Bible says. A paper might be graded lower, playing time may be reduced, or a job promotion might not happen due to our beliefs. Do we ALL understand that this is part of God's plan, or do we complain and cry when we've obeyed God's commands and offend the world?
Let's remember Jesus did everything perfectly yet experienced pain and suffering. Let's remember what Matthew 5:11-12 says: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. As believers in Christ, we can pass through the fiery trials and tests that come our way with the all-powerful Holy Spirit. Let's do that. Let's give God the glory!
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
