Q: For generations Christians have suffered and died for Christ. However, Christians today don’t seem to have the same level of commitment. Why is that? — Murilo, from Brazil
A: Murilo, as you stated, Christians have suffered and died for Christ for centuries. Perhaps you aren’t aware that persecution of Christians has continued. Today in many parts of the world thousands who believe in Christ are suffering and dying for their faith.
Jesus has told us “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).
While it is well-known that persecution brings out strong faith, there are also faithful believers in parts of the world where there is no persecution. On the other hand, when there is no pressure to stand up for one’s faith, it’s easier to become more slack in practice and perhaps take faith for granted.
We need to pray for the many Christians who are at this moment being persecuted for their faith — some fleeing for their lives, others locked in prisons, some in hiding. Let’s pray that their faith will remain strong and that Christ’s presence will be very real for them.
For those of us who still live in relative freedom — now is the time to more fully develop our own faith, spending time with God in His Word each day. It’s time for Total Member Involvement, with each of us reaching out in faith to others, sharing with them the hope that we have, and preparing them for the soon coming of Jesus by sharing with them the important three angels’ messages found in Revelation 14.
If you have a question that you would like to send in for consideration in my Q&A posts, you may send it to: [email protected].