“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 (NKJV)

Persecution can cause either growth or frustration in our walk of faith. Our response will always determine the result or outcome of that experience. For the most part, persecution will manifest itself as a result of our lifestyle. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution.” II Timothy 3:12 (NKJV) Jesus includes this very fundamental aspect of our Christian journey within the context of the Beatitudes or what is also know as His “Sermon on the Mount.” Here the idea of being persecuted means “to pursue with repeated acts of enmity.” This pursuit that would cause us to be exposed and threatened by our obvious enemy the devil, is often time unleashed by supposed friends and even family who have secretly become our foes. The enemy has no regard to whom he uses as long as he can use them to conspire against us and as a result bring pressure and persecution into our lives.

Jesus says that if we suffer persecution for the right reasons then we are “blessed.” The idea of being “blessed” is a grace word that expresses the special joys and satisfaction granted a person who is willing to endure regardless of the pain or problems brought on by the persecution. The right reason to endure this persecution is for “righteousness sake.” Simply put, this means when we are persecuted for doing what is right and in strict obedience to the word of God, which in turn is His will, we will find ourselves and be able to count ourselves blessed. “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than doing evil.” I Peter 3:17 (NKJV) When we are persecuted for ultimately doing what is right, then we will soon discover that it comes with the territory of being a child of God and a believer in His son Jesus Christ.

If we receive persecution for doing what is right, not only will we be blessed but we will grow and mature into a deeper relationship with God as a result. Persecution can have a purging and pruning affect on our life, disciplining us to live within the context of the will of God. Persecution can purge us by helping to root out the deadly and debilitating areas of our life that hinder our spiritual growth and development. Likewise, persecution can also prune us within the position of our present level of maturity and allow us to grow even the more. You’ve often heard it said, no pain no gain. God used the persecution of the early church to further the gospel of Jesus Christ and fulfill the mandate that the gospel must be preached to those near and far. “Now Saul was consenting to his death (Stephen’s). At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1 (NKJV)

People often come to Christ with the unrealistic expectation that they will escape problems, pitfalls, and persecution.  Not so.  These things come with living within the territory of a right and real relationship with God.  We must be certain that we not perpetuate a self-imposed persecution that is a result of wrong choices and ungodly relationships.  These too have an outcome.  If you are not being persecuted for righteousness’ sake, it may be wise to take a look around to ensure that you are living your life in the right territory. “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  I Peter 4:14 (NKJV)