This is a tremendously insightful question that truly gets to the core of what it means to be a Christian in the modern world. According to Paul, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will face persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). As a result, persecution awaits every Christian. You are unable to avoid it! So, sure, if you’re going to face persecution, you ought to accept Christ. Since it is a given for all [Christians]!
Follow Jesus
Jesus also imparted this teaching. Jesus stated, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth,” in Matthew 10:34–36. It was a weapon that I brought, not peace. A man’s foes will be the people in his own family because I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
This is how Jesus teaches about the life that awaits those who follow Him. There is going to be conflict and persecution even inside that person’s own family. Kids and parents are at odds with one another.
The intensity of the harassment both inside and outside the family might differ greatly. From irritation and dissatisfaction to parents genuinely wishing to murder their now-Christian child. Naturally, a person will want to be more certain that [Christianity is genuine] the more likely it is that they will face persecution. And that it is worthwhile to follow Jesus.
Count the cost
Jesus addresses this issue in Luke 14:25-33:
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus. Turning to them He said: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life – he cannot be My disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has, cannot be my disciple.”
We are urged to “count the cost” by Jesus. Is it worth it to follow Jesus? That’s what the tower-building story is all about. Are you prepared to dedicate yourself to following Jesus?
It is worth it
It has already been mentioned that following Jesus could be highly expensive. If you follow Christ, you may have to leave your family because they wish to kill you. But in the end, it’s worthwhile.
“I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven as well, whoever acknowledges me before men.” However, I will disavow him before My Father in heaven if he disowns Me in front of men. (Matthew 32–33)
You will face persecution if you choose to become a Christian. On the day of judgment to come, nevertheless, rest assured that just as you bear witness to and accept Jesus Christ, He will do the same for you. You’re going to inherit [something fantastic]. However, if you reject or deny Christ, He will reject you as well, and the suffering you endure in hell will be far worse than any persecution you endure here on Earth.
