What God endures

I've had a few conversations recently about what Christian persecution looks like in America today. Most people I've talked to are convinced that they live in a country free of persecution. I disagree. I think we live in a country where it is easy to think you are a Christian without living like one. This might sound judgmental, but believe me when I say that I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to saying your a Christian, but not being willing to live like one.

For the most part, it is true that declaring faith in the Lord Jesus will not result in physical abuse, but it will surely result in social and professional abuse. What happens to students in the cafeteria who associate themselves with Jesus and stand up for a kid that is getting picked on? They will join the kid who is getting picked on. What happens to the business leader who refuses to take advantage of another person's weakness in order to make more money? He will be fired, or at least ignored and disrespected by his coworkers. The point is, when we really live out of love, and die to the American ideals of image and success, there are serious consequences. It will impact the way your friends and family see you. It will impact how much money you make. It will impact your reputation. Can you accept this?

I am reminded today that while I focus a lot on what I might endure by being associated with Jesus Christ, God endures far worse for being associated with me and with other Christians. Christians are sinners, so God's reputation is tarnished when people look at my life, or your life, and know that I represent Jesus Christ. God is associated with sexual immorality, violence, anger, and greed. He is associated with people (like me) who shout at people from their cars when they get frustrated. He is associated with people who cheat on their husbands and wives. He is associated with people who say they are disciples of Jesus and struggle with addictions to pornography and alcohol and cocaine. We hurt God's reputation. Despite all this, one of the clear messages of the New Testament is that in Christ, God has forever identified himself with sinful people, and He loves us.

The next time you are thinking about what it will cost you to live out your faith in Jesus Christ, remember what it costs God to love you. He suffered the death of His son and more.