A 68-year old bus monitor in upstate New York was severely ridiculed by several middle school children using a stream of profanity, insults, jeers and physical taunts, that was all caught on a cell phone video. From the moment the incident became public knowledge there was an almost universal condemnation of the children’s behavior and a call for their punishment. It served as a visual reminder of the reality of bullying that is apparently increasing in many segments of our society.
Bullying isn’t new to Christians, though, and has been part of their experience since the beginning of the church. The Bible calls “bullying” persecution and it’s primary motivation is an individual’s/government’s malevolent feelings toward the Christian faith and Christ. The history of the church is strewn with the blood of martyrs who gave everything to follow Jesus. Even the word for “witness” comes from the Greek word for “martyr,” with Stephen being the first “witness” of Christ to lose his life in His service.
Sadly, persecution of Christians is prevalent around the world and increasingly so in America. As our society becomes more secular and atheistic, Christians are finding themselves “bullied/persecuted” for no other reason than that they hold to biblical values and follow the Christ of Christianity.
If you don’t believe persecution/bullying of Christians exists, just make a public statement about abortion, gay marriage, biblical morality, creation science, etc., and you’ll quickly learn that Paul’s words were accurate when he said:
“...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)
From scowls, taunts, verbal abuse and even physical attacks, it’s increasingly more dangerous for Christians to express their beliefs and practice their faith openly.
A prime example of this type of behavior can be found recently in the news when the president of Chick-fil-a, Dan Cathy, made a statement about gay marriage. Listen to one report and a small sampling of the fallout:
“Chick-Fil-A president Dan Cathy sparked a social media firestorm among gay marriage supporters and opponents after taking a public stance on the divisive issue this week.
“Speaking to Christian news site Baptist Press, Cathy called Chick-Fil-A ‘guilty as charged’ in response to past criticism of its position on same-sex marriage; he said the company is ‘very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit.’
“Cathy later added: ‘We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.’
“Many customers and offended observers took to Twitter to blast the chicken sandwich fast food chain. Online cooking show host Hilah Johnson posted a YouTube video on how to make a homemade “Chick-Fil-Gay” sandwich and avoid shopping at the chain. Actor Ed Helms of The Office and The Hangover tweeted that he would begin a boycott saying: ‘Chick-fil-a doesn’t like gay people? Hate to think what they do to gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan.’” http://mashable.com/2012/07/19/chick-fil-a-gay-marriage/
And these comments are only the tip of the iceberg of what opponents of biblical values said about Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-a. Many more vile and perverse things were posted online and on social media that can’t be mentioned in this setting.
It always amazes me that the people that cry out for others to be tolerant are themselves so often the intolerant ones.
Another example of the drift toward “bullying” Christians happened to a Bible study leader by the name of Michael Salman who found himself sitting in jail after his home was raided by more than a dozen Phoenix, Arizona, police officers and city officials. What was his offense? The city says people aren’t allowed to hold private Bible studies on their own property.
Salman was sentenced to 60 days in jail, three years probation and received a $12,180 fine for “the crime.” According to Suzanne, his wife, the city told her that her husband was arrested because the Bible study was at a private house...and that essentially, it’s a church. Since they weren’t zoned for church, they were told they were breaking the law.
Suzanne said, “It defies logic, honestly. I don’t understand … that something so small got so large like this...People do it all over the United States all the time.”
David Barton, Founder and President of “WallBuilders,” gives numerous examples on his web site of how our government is becoming increasingly more hostile towards religious freedom. The sampling below comes from various news sources specifically concerning our military. But, there are many other examples listed at his site where “bullying” is taking place toward Christians and the free exercise of religion. (http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=106938)
- June 2011 – The Department of Veterans Affairs forbids references to God and Jesus during burial ceremonies at Houston National Cemetery. --(http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/29/houston-veterans-claim-censorship-prayers-ban-on-god-and-jesus/)
- August 2011 – The Air Force stops teaching the Just War theory to officers in California because the course is taught by chaplains and is based on a philosophy introduced by St. Augustine in the third century AD – a theory long taught by civilized nations across the world (except America). --Jason Ukman, “Air Force suspends ethics course that used Bible passages that train missle launch officers ,” Washington Post, August 2, 2011.
- September 2011 – Air Force Chief of Staff prohibits commanders from notifying airmen of programs and services available to them from chaplains. --"Maintaining Government Neutrality Regarding Religion ," Department of the Air Force, September 1, 2011.
- September 2011 – The Army issues guidelines for Walter Reed Medical Center stipulating that “No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading materials and/or facts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.” --"Wounded, Ill, and Injured Partners in Care Guidelines ," Department of the Navy (accessed on February 29, 2012).
- November 2011 – The Air Force Academy rescinds support for Operation Christmas Child, a program to send holiday gifts to impoverished children across the world, because the program is run by a Christian charity. --"Air Force Academy Backs Away from Christmas Charity ," Fox News Radio, November 4, 2011.
- November 2011 – The Air Force Academy pays $80,000 to add a Stonehenge-like worship center for pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans. --Jenny Dean, "Air Force Academy adapts to pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans ," Los Angeles Times, November 26, 2011.
- February 2012 – The U. S. Military Academy at West Point disinvites three star Army general and decorated war hero Lieutenant General William G. (“Jerry”) Boykin (retired) from speaking at an event because he is an outspoken Christian. --Ken Blackwell, "Gen. Boykin Blocked At West Point ," cnsnews.com, February 1, 2012.
- February 2012 – The Air Force removes “God” from the patch of Rapid Capabilities Office (the word on the patch was in Latin: Dei). --Geoff Herbert, " Air Force unit removes 'God' from logo; lawmakers warn of 'dangerous precedent' ," syracuse.com, February 9, 2012.
- February 2012 – The Army orders Catholic chaplains not to read a letter to parishioners that their archbishop asked them to read. --Todd Starnes, "Army Silences Catholic Chaplains ," Fox News Radio, February 6, 2012.
Presently, according to the U.S. Department of State, Christians in more than 60 countries face persecution from their governments or surrounding neighbors simply because they follow Christ. This persecution involves things like: rape, torture, mutilation, family division, harassment, imprisonment, slavery, discrimination in education and employment and even death.
Thank God America hasn’t reached the level of “persecution/bullying” that many of our Christian brothers and sisters endure in other parts of the world, but we are seeing a continued decline in tolerance toward Christianity.
The Bible is replete with references about persecution and how we should respond to these attacks on our faith. It’s been estimated that there are as many as 50 passages in scripture relating to the subject of persecution.
Some of those are found in the book of 1 Peter, which has been called by some, “The Handbook On Suffering Persecution.” It was likely written just before the outbreak of the Roman persecution under Nero in 64 A.D., making 1 Peter 4:12-19 a prophecy of how their present persecution was only going to increase in the days ahead.
There are three things that we can take away from the scripture to help us in our struggle with “bullying/persecution” in our own lives.
1. Don’t let it surprise you. (1 Peter 4:12)
The Bible never commands or exhorts Christians to pray for persecution. But, the Bible very definitely says that Christians should expect persecution.
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
“...everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)
Bruce Shelly says in his book, Church History In Plain English, that “the main cause of the hatred of early Christians in Roman society lies in their distinctive life-style. ‘We have the reputation,’ said Tertullian in His Apology, ‘of living aloof from crowds.’”
Shelly continues, “The word used to describe the Christian in the New Testament is highly significant. It is the term hagios, often translated ‘saints.’ It means holy ones, but the root suggests ‘different.’ So a holy thing is different from other things. The temple is holy because it is different from other buildings; The Sabbath is holy because it is different from other days. The Christian, therefore, is a person who is fundamentally different.
“Men always view with suspicion people who are different. Conformity, not distinctiveness, is the way to a trouble-free life. So the more early Christians took their faith seriously the more they were in danger of crowd reaction.
“Thus, simply by living according to the teachings of Jesus, the Christian was a constant unspoken condemnation of the pagan way of life. It was not that the Christian went about criticizing and condemning and disapproving, nor was he consciously self-righteous and superior. It was simply that the Christian ethic in itself was a criticism of pagan life.”
(cf. John 15:17-25)
“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?” (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
2. Don’t let it shut you up. (Acts 5:22-33, 40-42)
Peter and the apostles were placed in prison because they were preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After they were miraculously set free they continued speaking boldly in His name and refused to be silenced.
Persecutors wish to stop the message of “Good News” we proclaim by their “bullying” tactics. They think that if they can’t eradicate us that they should at least contain us.
A newlywed couple became the target of one of these “bullying” campaigns in June 2012, simply because they supported traditional marriage.
The cyber bullying began after Rhys and Esther Curnow took part in handing over a petition...containing more than half a million signatures in support of traditional marriage.
A Facebook message sent to the couple said in block capitals: "GO DIE AND ROT IN HELL."
Another user said: “I really hope you & your husband turn out infertile & die of cancer. That would be something to celebrate.”
One Twitter user wrote: “Esther Curnow needs a punch in the face. That is all.”
Colin Hart, campaign director of the group responsible for the petition, said: “The level of abuse that this young couple have been subjected to is shocking. Having people going out of their way to trawl through the internet to find personal facebook pages, just so they can send vile and hate filled rants is appalling.
“Rhys and Esther are a lovely couple who agreed to take part in the presentation of our petition because they care about this issue."
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/newlyweds.receive.hate.mail.over.marriage.stance/30130.htm (Saturday, June 23, 2012)
As scary as it is...don’t let the persecutors shut you up! Keep declaring the truth even when the bullies threaten and taunt you!!
3. Don’t let it sadden you.
It’s natural to be saddened by the unfair and harsh treatment received from persecutors. However, we must make a definite choice to respond differently than is our first inclination.
Paul and Silas were beaten and placed in the harshest conditions possible in the inner prison at Philippi. What makes their experience memorable is how they responded to their persecutors and their persecution. (cf. Acts 16:22-25)
When you are being “bullied” for following your faith:
A. Rejoice in the Lord (1 Peter 4:13-16; cf. Matthew 5:11-12)
There is a reward that God will give to those that suffer for righteousness sake. We don’t take pleasure in persecution, but we take pleasure in the promised “crown” He will give us for being persecuted.
“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer...But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 - Smyrna))
B. Refocus on His coming
Christ is coming again and when He is revealed you will experience “exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:13) All of these present troubles will quickly be forgotten when we see Christ and we have to focus on the promises of that day.
C. Rely on His strength (1 Peter 4:19)
Trust God to strengthen you and speak through you. (cf. Luke 12:11-12) But, don’t let the persecutors steal your faith or silence your voice.
Application:
- Be sure your convictions are grounded in scripture, not personal preferences.
- Hold your convictions courageously, but not caustically.
- Don’t become like the ones bullying you by bullying them in response. (cf. 1 Peter 2:23; Luke 6:27-28)
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
