Perspective from the Persecuted

In Western Christianity, we love to argue. Debates over theological matters can quickly grow heated, leading to disassociation, name-calling, and lots of judgment flying back and forth. There are literally thousands of denominations in North America alone!

This quote, from Richard Wurmbrand's "Tortured for Christ" really put things into perspective for me:

The menace of the persecutors and the sufferings of the Underground Church are scarcely ever mentioned.

There are endless discussions about theological matters, about rituals, about nonessentials.

....

To keep liberty for all denominations and all theologies, and to regain it where it has been lost due to widespread religious persecution, is more important than to insist upon one certain theological opinion.

"The truth shall make you free" said Jesus (John 8:32). But, the same freedom, only freedom, can give the truth. And, instead of quarreling about nonessentials, we should unite in this fight for freedom against the tyrannies against the world.

Reading this book, along with others highlighting the lives of those who have been persecuted or martyred, has really given me perspective about Christianity in the Western world compared to those in countries whose freedoms are severely limited. How blessed we are!

But what do we do with the blessings of liberty that we have? Waste it on endless debates, filling ourselves with head knowledge, while people around the world suffer and die for the Christ we claim to know so much about! Why not use our freedoms to do the work of Christ, instead of wasting it on endless words about Christ, which only truly serve to puff ourselves up?

Remember what Christ said: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) NOT "by how well you can argue your case for whatever jot or tittle of doctrine you hold most dear"! I feel, too often, we allow areas of Doctrine to become our God, our idol, rather than God Himself.

To learn how you can become more involved with the Persecuted Church around the world, please visit Voice of the Martyrs. It may change your life, or at least your outlook regarding what is truly important.

(stepping off my soapbox now!)