Make "Suffering for Righteousness' Sake" Great Again

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In the past year, many have argued that Christians are not being persecuted because the lockdowns affect everyone (not just Christians). Therefore, the argument goes, we ought not to think of this as persecution as we're just one group among many who are suffering to various degrees under government orders. 

Many seem to believe that in order for it to be considered "persecution," it has to be clearly stated by the persecutor somewhere. Must persecution come with the declaration, "This is because you're a Christian" or "This is because of what you believe"? It's as if persecution has to be specifically targeted to Christians or it doesn't count. Anything less is sometimes portrayed as Christians being dramatic or even dishonest!

This has all resurfaced in the wake of James Coates' arrest. I've seen a number of professing Christians online (usually pro-lockdown ones) speaking out to make sure we don't allow this to be called persecution! 

However, my contention is that these very narrow definitions of "persecution" miss much of what the Bible says about Christian suffering at the hands of wicked men. Rather than asking if suffering meets a narrow and technical definition of "persecution" that involves explicitly stated attacks on Christianity, I suggest we determine whether or not the Christian is suffering for righteousness' sake. This seems a relatively straight forward thing to measure. 

Suffering for Righteousness' Sake

In First Peter, we find some helpful distinctions in Christian suffering. Addressing slaves, Peter writes,

For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it to you if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God (1 Peter 2:19-20).

Peter clearly distinguishes between suffering because we have acted sinfully and suffering because we have done what is good. The former is of no credit since the suffering is just. The latter is commendable to God because it is unjust suffering for good. Later, Peter says more about this category: 

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord has holy... (1 Peter 3:13-15)

When one of the slaves that Peter wrote to was abused by a tyrannical master, they were not told to ask whether they were specifically targeted out of all the slaves because they were a Christian. Peter does not say, "only then may you consider yourself blessed." Rather, if they are suffering because they are doing what is good and righteous––no doubt driven by their Christian convictions––then they should take courage that God is pleased. Whether the master went on to beat other slaves or not is irrelevant. 

Peter gets his theology from Jesus who taught, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 5:10). The point seems to be this: as you live your Christian life and seek to honour the Lord your God, and as that brings suffering upon you, then you're to to be comforted in this suffering for righteousness sake! This is gracious thing in the sight of God! Don't let technical objections rob you of your comfort. 

So, when determining if one suffers persecution, it is wise to ask: Is the suffering "for righteousness' sake" or not? 

Most who deny that Pastor James is suffering persecution point to the fact that he is suffering because of failure to comply with public health orders, not because he is a Christian or because of what he preaches. But, the whole point is that his Christian convictions lead him to the conclusion that he cannot comply with the lockdowns in certain matters. So, his Christian conviction is undeniably what has landed him in prison. He could leave if he'd agree to stop acting in accordance with his Christian conviction. They're literally the only reason he's in prison. This seems to even meet the technical definition some demand. 

Conclusion

To put it simply: if one is suffering because they're obeying the Lord, then it is a form of persecution. Not all persecution is the same; not all is equally severe. Many have it much (much!) worse than we do. But, this doesn't deny "lesser" forms wherever they occur. 

I suspect that most who want to deny that James Coates is suffering a form of persecution likely do not think he has acted righteously. That's really the main issue. But, they shouldn't hide behind their technical definitions. If you think it's unrighteous to meet as a church right now, then own it. 

Otherwise, as we walk through these days, let's remember this blessed category of "suffering for righteousness' sake" and not deny brothers and sisters the appropriate biblical comfort that comes from it. 

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly" (1 Peter 2:19).

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