To be a real Christian V

September 30, 7:07 AMAtlanta Protestant ExaminerRonald Thibeault

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Christians have been insulted for a long time. Under the Roman Emperor, Nero, Christians were accused of having started the fire that destroyed Rome. Early Christians have been accused of being cannibals who hide babies in loaves of bread to later dine on them. Rumors spread saying Christians participate in incestuous love feasts. Citizens of Rome accused them of not being patriotic because they would not bow down and worship the emperor. These believers were considered foolish because rather than bow down to a false god, Christians chose death.

Today, we still undergo religious persecution. Looking at the Voice of the Martyrs site we see weekly someone being imprisoned, killed, or physically abused. Even in the United States Christians are labeled as being ignorant and narrow-minded. Eyes roll whenever a person says anything, which might be considered remotely Christian. Christians miss out on a lot because they are not team players, they do not go out for drinks after work, and they don’t light up with the smokers. Then they are accused of religious intolerance by the same ones who are narrow-minded in their own beliefs.

Christ realized this dichotomy and calls us blessed.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-1

Lies, insults, and persecutions are an unfortunate part of being a real Christian. People will think you are crazy, especially when you put aside the sinful things of the world. Even other believers will criticize you for doing what is right. Yet Christ implores us to rejoice and be glad. We are not striving for earthly riches, which rust, fade, and fall apart. We are motivated to receive heavenly rewards, which will stay with us eternally.

Let us then be happy even though we are ridiculed, persecuted, falsely accused, and insulted. Even Jesus Christ, our Savior, was not spared from these unfair practices of the people of his time. We should be honored to suffer along with Him, bearing, each our own crosses.