According to the Bible, when followers of Jesus live virtuously in godless countries, they [shall face persecution] (2 Timothy 3:12). This possibility can give us anxiety! In what way then may we attempt to evade persecution? And is taking this action a wise one?
I want to flee to another country to escape persecution and suffering. Is that okay?
Above all, this is an issue between God and you. Are you able to distinguish between [what is God’s will] and your own? There may be occasions when God does in fact command you to leave. Because it wasn’t yet His time, even Jesus occasionally escaped hardships (Matthew 2:13–14; 10:23; Luke 4:30; John 8:59). Paul is similarly affected (Acts 9:25; 9:30; 17:10). But let’s not lose sight of the reality that God frequently calls His people to persevere in difficult situations. Some felt that God had commanded them to stay, so they chose to go but later regretted it. There’s usually no turning back once you’ve left.
Our purpose on earth is not to escape persecution, but to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, telling others the life-saving news of Jesus Christ. How will others be saved if you and I constantly flee from persecution? Jesus chose neither to flee nor fight in the darkest hour of His life. He persevered, endured and stood strong through the storm (Luke 22:41-52). Yes, staying and enduring can be extremely difficult. It can even be that God asks someone to give his life. A special crown is awaiting those who lay down their lives for their faith (Revelation 2:10). But we don’t have to seek martyrdom. Rather, when we stay, we may seek justice – for ourselves and for others.
Even those who are being persecuted frequently have legal rights. Apply them as Paul did. Acts 22:24–29 record him using his Roman citizenship, while Acts 25:9–11 records his petition to Caesar. Notify the body of Christ worldwide of your situation, keep a record of the events, find a representative, and take advantage of all your legal rights. And remember that no matter what we go through, Christ is always going to be at our side.
Is it okay to follow Christ in secret so that I will not be persecuted?
Sometimes, following Christ in secret can mean that you can preserve your life, or that you can avoid severe persecution. If this is the choice you have to make, then you are in a very difficult position. We can say a lot of things about it, but it is as always best to see what the Bible has to say. Jesus Himself gives us the answer: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:32-34). So, while it is understandable for someone to keep their faith in Christ a secret in order to save their life, for a Christian, a secret faith is from a biblical perspective simply not an option.
You could naturally wonder, “Why does God make it so difficult?” next. The solution is once again straightforward: our ultimate goal in life is not to prolong our own lives but to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, becoming the salt and light of the world. If you and I only follow God in secret, how will others be saved? Indeed, we occasionally run the risk of being persecuted for it, as well as losing our own lives. However, we are aware that it is God’s intention for us to spread His word, and we also know that He is able to keep us safe until the end of our earthly mission.
Yes, it might be challenging to live a Christian life in this world. However, we do not live in this world. God utilizes life’s hardships to strengthen us and hone our resemblance to Jesus. One thing is certain, no matter what difficulties we face: He will be by our side. Jesus gave us His final instruction to “spread the gospel to the entire world” right before He ascended into heaven. He also gave us His last assurance at that point. According to Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And ultimately, it is all that matters.
