By Paul Chappell
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions,
which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I
endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
2 Timothy 3:10-12
Paul sent his young associate Titus to the island of Crete Crete until
105 AD, when he died at age 94. Nearly one hundred and fifty years later, in
January 250, the Roman Emperor Decius issued an edict for the suppression of
Christianity. He demanded that the bishops and officers of the church make
sacrifices to the Emperor as a sign that their allegiance was to him rather
than to God.
Leaders from the churches of Crete
who became known as the “ten surmountable martyrs” refused and died for their
faith. Their stories were told for centuries to encourage others to stand firm
in their faith.
There are many places in the world today where Christians
face grave persecution, but most of us in America have enjoyed religious
liberty and do not face the choice
between being faithful to God and saving our lives.
However the day may come even here when we are faced with
such a decision. Scripture tells us that persecution should not come as a
surprise to us, because of the hatred of the world for the things of God. Every
committed, consistent Christian is a rebuke to those who are doing wrong,
without ever saying a word. And if we do reach a point where it is no longer
acceptable or even legal to be a witness for Christ, we should remain firm in
our faith.
Today's Rooted Principle:
Make your commitment to stand for Christ before the day of
persecution comes.
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