Published on 06/18/2008

We can all feel persecuted for some reason. The key is to suffer for the right cause.

Now this is serious. I know I should be writing about the Boston Celtics' blowout win over the Lakers or the fact that airlines are about to start charging us to bring a spare set of socks onboard, but today's Wall Street Journal tells us about something of transcendent significance. It seems that Hershey Co. may be in trouble. Mars and Wrigley have combined in a $23 billion deal. Now Hershey is struggling to compete. If Hershey's Kisses with Almonds go away, the apocalypse cannot be far behind.

Conflict has been a fact of life since Cain and Abel. Every one of us is dealing today with a relational challenge of some kind. We can all feel persecuted for some reason. The key is to suffer for the right cause. As you know, we've been seeking the true happiness which Jesus alone can give by studying his Beatitudes. This week we're exploring the last: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).

Believers in the first centuries of Christian history paid a higher price for their faith than many of us in the West do today. Why should we be willing to suffer and sacrifice for our Lord? First, because believers experience great joy. As we saw yesterday, those who follow Jesus fully are "blessed" with a sense of tranquility and happiness which transcends circumstances.

Justin, one of the earliest martyrs, wrote to his accusers: "You can kill us but you cannot hurt us." Martin Burnham, a missionary recently martyred for his faith, told his wife Gracia the night he died: "The Bible says to serve the Lord with gladness. Let's go out all the way. Let's serve him all the way with gladness." And he did.

Second, suffering believers receive great reward. Paul was sure of it: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Martyr Jim Elliott wrote in his journal: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Revelation promises those who suffer for Christ: "Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16-17). Your sacrifice for Jesus today will be rewarded forever.

When your fallen world asks you to pay a personal price this week for following Jesus, choose wisely. We'll continue tomorrow.