If we want to live a godly life, we will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). We don't know the severity of this persecution, but we do know the certainty of it.

Although many non-Christians pride themselves on being tolerant, they will probably not tolerate Christians, for we are obnoxious to them (Wis 2:12). They think we are setting ourselves against their doings, reproaching them "for transgressions of the law," charging them with violations of their training, and censuring their thoughts (Wis 2:12, 14). Merely to see us is a hardship for many non-Christians (Wis 2:14) because our lives are different (Wis 2:15). There is an automatic tension between Christians and non-Christians.

Eventually something has to give; something has to snap. Non-Christians either give their lives to Jesus and become Christians, or they revile, torture, and condemn Christians (Wis 2:19-20). Non-Christians either become other Christs or anti-christs. They take up Jesus' cross (Lk 9:23), or they crucify Jesus and hold Him up to contempt by attacking His disciples (see Heb 6:6).

May your life in Christ be so authentic that you are worthy of being persecuted.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 18, 2001

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2001