The reality of persecution in Christian life is often difficult for us to fully grasp or accept. Just as the Jews had wrong preconceived notions about who Christ would be, we too tend to have biases about what our lives as Christians should entail. Many of us mistakenly believe that being a Christian means being free from challenges. While this idea may be appealing, it ultimately limits our understanding of Christianity from a biblical perspective.
The Bible categorizes the challenges that Christians face into three distinct categories, which are explained below:
Trials and Temptation
Trials and temptations are often used interchangeably in the Christian context, but a closer examination reveals a subtle difference between the two terms. Trials generally refer to challenges or afflictions faced by a believer, such as persecution, disease, or disaster, and these can be inflicted directly or indirectly by Satan. In contrast, temptation also arises from Satan but represents a different kind of challenge—a pleasurable one that appeals to human desires and ultimately leads to sin. Trials and temptations are meant to be resisted and overcome. It is not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to be overcome by it. Jesus was tempted by Satan too in the wilderness, but He overcame. In fact, trials and temptation are part of the process of spiritual growth (James 1:2-4).
The Cross
Jesus Christ Himself gave the instruction to believers to bear the cross after Him daily. This is understood to mean self-denial, self-sacrifice, perseverance, and etc. But how do we know that what we are carrying is the cross? And what should be our reaction and attitude while carrying the cross? Is there any difference between trials, temptation, and the cross, and should we respond differently in facing the two?
The attitudes of most Christians reveal the fact that they do not understand what it really means to bear the cross. This is often revealed in the way and manner most Christians react to the cross. While trials and temptations are meant to be resisted, crosses are meant to be carried or borne. Many Christians spend their lives trying to avoid carrying their crosses. Unfortunately, some believers, churches and ministries such as Word of Faith (prosperity gospel preachers or wealth and health churches), and New Apostolic Reformation movement build their beliefs and teachings around the idea of denying the reality of cross-bearing. The pursuit of a life free from the cross is ultimately a futile endeavor. No amount of prayer, Bible study, or other Christian activities can protect us from suffering. On the night He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus felt the weight of the cross that was before Him and wished for it to be taken away. However, He ultimately surrendered to His Father’s will (Matthew 26:36-57). Apostle Paul submits that: Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).
When Jesus disclosed to His disciples what He would suffer, Peter the apostle, thinking from a human perspective, took Him aside and rebuked Him for such a revelation. In response, Jesus rebuked Peter, calling him a stumbling block, as he was only seeing things from human point of view. To shy away from Christian persecution is to focus solely on the human perspective, ultimately leading to a life centered on self or the flesh (Matthew 16:13-23).
Cross-bearing is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of strength. When one of Jesus' disciples drew a knife and struck the ear of a servant of the high priest, Jesus healed the ear and instructed His disciples to put away their swords. He made it clear that He could call upon His Father to command angels to rescue Him, but He chose to endure the situation so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled (Matthew 26:51-54). It requires a greater strength to submit to unpleasant circumstances in obedience to God than to seek to please ourselves. Unfortunately, most Christians believe that to suffer as a Christian is a sign of sin, weakness, or lack of faith in God. Such false belief is often nothing short of a setup for disappointment and disaster.