What are you afraid of? There are a multitude of things in this world that make us fearful. Natural disasters, violence, death, tragedy, injustice, job loss, lack of food or shelter… the number of things we could list is almost endless. The more pervasive sin becomes, the scarier and riskier this world appears.
No one is safe from the depravity of man, but Christians have historically been singled out for some of the worst abuses this world dishes out. While many minority groups have experienced long periods of horrific mistreatment, it is Christians who have most consistently been persecuted for the past two thousand years. This is because Satan’s war is against anyone who calls on the name of Jesus.
While recent history in the West has seen a reprieve from Christian persecution, it has continued unabated in most other parts of the world. Now it seems the freedom Christians have enjoyed for the past few hundred years in the West is quickly crumbling. Recent news has seen a woman arrested for praying silently in Europe, and a young man arrested for reading the Word of God aloud in public in the United States. Other religions may worship and pray as they wish, but Christians are always in the crosshairs.
Through it all, we must remember that the God who is with us is greater than those who come against us (1 John 4:4; 2 Kings 6:15-17). Our eternity is secure in Jesus (John 3:16-18). This world is not our home (John 15:19), so even if we lose everything here, we know the loss is only temporary (Mark 8:36-38). The evil that men can do can never touch our souls. The world can wound and even kill our bodies, but our souls are secure in the arms of Jesus forever. What are you afraid of? Our God is able to keep us until the end (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).
Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). To paraphrase, “Don’t fear men, fear God.” This world might seem frightening at times, but it is nothing compared to the wrath of God. What we should fear is disobeying the all-holy Creator of all things. The pain we experience down here is trivial when compared to the glory awaiting us in Heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
So, what are you afraid of? Are you afraid of the persecution of men or the judgment of Christ? No one wants to suffer, but we must keep all suffering in perspective. Some, like what individuals and governments might inflict upon us, are temporary and ultimately irrelevant. But the judgment of God is forever. It never goes away and can never be reversed. The perfect judgment of Jesus determines where and how we will spend eternity. That is far more important than any pain we might experience for a relatively short time on Earth.
As persecutions come, remember you have nothing to fear. No matter how terrible or painful, they cannot touch your soul. Keep your eyes on Jesus and allow His peace to carry you through. One day we will bask in His presence and He will banish fear forever. Rest in the One who promises you an eternity with Him. Don’t be afraid. Your soul is safe with Jesus.