Matthew 5:1
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I’m sure I have been persecuted in this manner. I can’t recall. My present situation might be this. If it is then they are cloaking it. I do know there is much of this in our culture. For the past 50 years there has been a justification of deviancy. Laws are on the books protecting it. The past few years there has been cancelling of those that speak against it. It’s not hateful, just ones speaking their opinions.
The bible has much to say about this deviant lifestyle. It says it isn’t to be done. It says that those who adopt this lifestyle won’t enter the kingdom of heaven. It’s not saying that it’s wrong to be tempted, nor is it speaking about those who have fallen yet have repented. It’s those in that lifestyle that have no remorse or intention of changing.
The lobbies promoting this lifestyle are powerful and vicious. They will destroy any that speak against them. Average citizens have learned to be quiet.
How does a christian share their faith with those in this lifestyle? I would do it without reference to it. If they asked I would tell them what the bible says. I wouldn’t say they had to reject this lifestyle to come to Christ, but to be open to God’s leadership. We all have to submit to His lordship. All of us have to obey. Be open to His leadership. It may seem impossible at this point, but with Him all things are possible. I would tell them trust the bible and to go to a bible teaching church.
They may speak against us. We tell them these aren’t our views, but God’s. He doesn’t leave options to believe differently. This may lessen their animosity, it may not. In a light sense this is being persecuted for righteousness.
I referenced laws on the books protecting unbiblical behavior. Most workplaces have rules about this as well. We could lose our jobs or worse by our speech. We do have to be careful. An honest sharing of faith could get one in trouble. I’m not referring to that lifestyle. Just sharing of faith with a coworker.
Hear Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 6:19, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel.” We should do the same. Persecution will follow. Paul was persecuted for most of his christian life.
Those persecuted for Christ’s sake are promised the kingdom of heaven. Lord help us to boldly proclaim Your message. Thank You for promising is heaven.