relationships (Matthew 5:10-11) Good and Bad Reasons

(Matthew 5:10-11)

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

There will be an array of reactions to these verses.  I know for myself, there was a time I really didn't appreciate hearing this.  I mean, who wants to be persecuted!?  Yet, in life, for various reasons, many people are picked on, bullied and insulted, and unfairly and unjustly imprisoned, tortured and killed... We live in an unfair, unjust, fallen and broken world that is full of pride, greed, hate and fear!

Another reaction to these verses will be one of unwarranted pride, where a person uses some level of persecution as a badge of honor, in some self-proclaimed proof and justification that what they are doing or saying is truth, right and good.  I will use Mormons as an example, because they do teach their members that if they are persecuted, that only means they are on the right track (even though they are not). 

In general, people are persecuted for various reasons.  One of the reasons is that people do not like to be preached at.  It doesn't even matter what the message is, be it true or false, political opinions, idealisms or propaganda, cult or religious proclamations, or just some personal preferences of someone who is incessantly pressing to get their way.

Reactions will vary.  Some people will react by simply walking away, or changing the channel, although it can lead to groups censoring, "canceling", "silent quitting", black-listing or boycotting.  Some will speak out, or debate, while remaining calm and trying to use reason, until they perhaps become "impassioned" and it turns into a yelling-fest.  Some argue, and even resort to mocking, lying, and name calling.  While others will become enraged and use violence.

This leads to yet another reason why people will be persecuted.  And it's a reason that people wouldn't want to hear, which is to be persecuted because they are jerks and deserve it, even though they think they don't.  And I'll add in here those people who say they are Christians, but are not representing the Lord well;  maybe in just one given situation, or it's their preferred method of being in this world.  One pastor put it another way, "People will hate us just because we are Christians, don't give them more excuses to hate you by being a jerk!"

This brings us to the focus of what these verses are actually talking about.  There will be people who hate us just because we are Christians.  Even if we are just going about our lives, and living out God's will.  I'll use my husband as an example.  When he's at work, he is working unto the Lord!  Focused and intent on doing what is expected, and doing the best that he possibly can.  And at one company, it didn't take long for the coworkers to start referring to him as "Pastor Len", even though he had not said anything about his faith (yet, at that point).  So, how did they know?

There is a saying, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."  Now, the Bible doesn't exactly say this.  We are told to live in obedience in God's will, and in God's strength, which will be evidence of our faith.  But we are also told to use every opportunity to share the gospel!  Now, it does come down to HOW we are sharing God's word and His message of salvation.  Everything we do and say should always be in God's love, and with His love, wisdom and guidance.  While there will be people drawn to us just to hear about Jesus, there will be those who hate us for it, because they hate Jesus.

Here's the summary and the difference!  Sometimes people are persecuted just because they are suffering the consequences of other people's bad actions.  Sometimes people are persecuted because they are suffering the consequences of their own bad actions.  But when believers are persecuted because of God, God is going to bless and reward those who are faithful in being obedient to His will, practicing His righteousness, and speaking His truth.  Even in the midst of persecution, in staying focused on our relationship with the Lord, we can be confident that He will help us, and work things out for good.