Facing Threats

I walked my dog Casey this morning along our usual route when we came across an unusual sight. An orange cat was lying against the curb, just hanging out and enjoying the morning. She was completely unperturbed by Casey, who wanted to either eat her or play with her. As we walked by, an epic stare down ensued. Neither took their eyes off the other. The cat, unaffected and detached, followed Casey with her eyes. Casey, who is hyperactive without stimulation, became fully amped at the sight of this cat, trying to figure out how to make it her newest chew toy. To the cat’s credit, it never moved. 

I thought the cat was a little arrogant, and I thought about letting Casey loose to show her who was boss. Maybe the cat trusted in the leash for her safety. Perhaps she thought she could outrun Casey, or even hold her own in a street fight. I admit the cat impressed me with its cool demeanor in the face of danger. 

The scene made me think about a Christian’s attitude toward threats. Jesus promised, “In the world you will have trouble.” But then immediately reassured His apostles saying, “But take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Our culture has become increasingly hostile toward Christians. I typed “persecution against Christians” in the Google search bar, and these are some of the top headlines that popped up:

“The 50 Countries Where it’s most dangerous to Follow Jesus” (Christianity Today). “Christian persecution at near genocide levels” (BBC News). “Thirteen Christians Killed Every Day in the World because of their faith” (Vatican News). In the U.S., we aren’t likely to be killed for our faith, but persecution here is still rising. It manifests in public disdain, social media scorn and ridicule, jobs and promotions lost, laws enacted, and more. Litigation between the same-sex couple who targeted a Christian baker to force him to make a wedding cake, when plenty of other bakers would be happy for the work is still in the news. 

Persecution is happening in subtle ways too. Most of us remember wishing people a Merry Christmas without a second thought. Culture has tried to train us not to say Merry Christmas because it isn’t politically correct, as if wishing people a Merry Christmas could hurt them somehow! Talk of anything related to God, and especially Jesus, is no longer considered appropriate in the public square. 

I hope to encourage you today to stand against persecution in whatever form you experience it, like that cat remained confident and unfazed by my dog. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.”

We need to be aware of persecution and prepare ourselves for it. It’s not an “if” question but a “when” question. When we suffer it, we should rejoice because our reward in heaven is great. We can trust that promise because we trust the One who gave it. Whatever the cat was trusting in for its safety, the object of our trust, Jesus Christ, is infinitely stronger. Keep your chin up Christian. Speak truth even if you suffer persecution for it. Your reward in heaven is great.