John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
After seeing God Is Not Dead 2 today with my sweet wife I think I understand some of the circumstances of my life. A friend and I were discussing some of my childhood wackiness and I said I thought it was to prepare me to have more compassion for the weak and abused, but today I think I see a different level.
The world is full of bullies today. Some wear suits and operate in courts and others in various uniforms. Methods are different, but they are still bullies. Persecution starts with bullying and progresses.
I think I have been prepared for such a time as this. I was bullied by teachers and students alike for most of my school days. I survived. I survived a Drill Sgt. I survived being threatened in a government job because of my faith sitting in a tool cage with headsets on to tune out the jeers and curses. I survived for many years in a denomination full of bullies. I have oft stood alone or held the minority position even when it cost me.
We are in the times when we will stand against bullies and at times maybe alone. We need to know what we believe and be able to present a logical and calm apologetic in the face of anger, hatred and abuse. More importantly we need to know who we serve and who we are in Him if we will be victorious in our times of testing and decision. We may lose a battle now and then, but we know who wins in the end.
Bullies do not like to be stood up to and do not want to face the truth that they are the weaker person because all they have is their ability to bully. They have no personal power except fear and coercion. In their youth, they rely upon muscles and mouth. As they age, they manipulate. They often back up when they are challenged because they do not know what to do with someone who has backbone and the power of the truth.
Bullies will fall. These are perilous times, but we know who is in control and who will prevail so stand against the bullies, but stand with truth spoken in love and faith.
