Have you stopped to think about the experiences of Christians living under persecution? Today, there are over 360 million believers facing such trials around the globe.
While it’s vital for us to support them through prayers, encouragement, and financial aid, we must also recognize that their stories hold invaluable lessons for us.
A Call to Counter-Cultural Faith
In the West, we often take our religious freedoms for granted.
Yet, we find ourselves increasingly navigating a post-Christian landscape, where the traditional biblical values that once shaped our culture are often at odds with current societal norms.
This shift brings new challenges for many believers.
In the past, Christians in Western societies often felt a closeness between their faith and the surrounding culture.
There was a time when our values aligned neatly with what was considered mainstream.
We can acknowledge and appreciate these moments, but they can also lead to the false assumption that such alignment will always be the case.
When we assume that our faith naturally aligns with cultural values, we risk complicating our spiritual lives.
As societal expectations evolve, some might unknowingly adjust their beliefs and practices to fit, losing sight of their core faith.
It’s akin to a frog slowly acclimating to warmer water.
In many instances, this has led to a consumer-driven approach to faith, where living as a Christian becomes more about attending church occasionally or donating to charity than pursuing a deep, committed discipleship.
Although we’re called to positively impact our culture, it often feels as though the culture is shaping us, dulling our distinctiveness and dimming the light of our faith.
Reviving Our Spiritual Commitment
Brother Andrew, well-known for his Bible-smuggling efforts during the Cold War and the founding of Open Doors, found inspiration in the message presented to the church in Sardis in the Book of Revelation.
This message encourages vigilance and the strengthening of what remains essential to life.
It resonates profoundly with those who stand in solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Interestingly, the struggles facing the church in Sardis stemmed not from external persecution but from complacency and a sense of comfort.
Sardis had flourished economically, and the church appeared to prosper alongside society.
However, God saw a congregation in spiritual decline that needed awakening and support.
This situation mirrors many challenges confronting the contemporary Western church.
While we are positioned to aid persecuted communities, we too can find encouragement and revitalization through their unwavering faith in the face of suffering.
The health of the Western church is deeply intertwined with the stories of those facing persecution worldwide.
Instead of conforming to a consumerist worldview, we should look to our persecuted peers, who courageously confront cultural hurdles with steadfast faith despite significant risks.
Their stories—filled with trials such as Bible confiscation, family separations, imprisonment, torture, and even death—offer a powerful reminder of resilience.
Engaging with their experiences can invigorate our own spiritual lives.
The Power of Fellowship
The lessons offered by our persecuted brothers and sisters highlight the essential unity within the Church.
Each member holds inherent value, and every experience contributes to our collective strength.
This idea is beautifully encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 12:26, which reminds us that the pain of one member is felt by the whole body.
Understanding the persecution endured by believers worldwide is crucial for us to reach out in prayer and support, allowing us to spiritually stand alongside them in their trials.
This connection enriches our faith as we witness their commitment in dire circumstances.
Reflecting on the legacy of Open Doors, rooted in Brother Andrew’s vision from 1955, we’re reminded of the lasting impact of those who honor God.
Psalm 61:5 speaks to the treasured heritage passed down to us.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the early disciples and church leaders who laid the foundation for the Christian faith; without their boldness in spreading the gospel, our experience of salvation might look vastly different today.
Walking alongside fellow believers facing similar struggles reaffirms this legacy, inviting us to honor it in our lives.
Ryan Brown, President and CEO of Open Doors US, leads a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the persecution of Christians worldwide.
An important part of this mission is the annual World Watch List, which highlights the top 50 countries where Christians face severe persecution.
Source: Crosswalk
