Jesus begins John 15:18 with a simple phrase, “If the world hates you…” How often do we look at the world and wonder why it hates us so? If we keep quiet, they may not notice. Though, is that the true way of a disciple of Jesus? Jesus requires of us to speak up and tell others of the good news, and when we do this, persecution will come.
This is simply because speaking against the evil in the world disrupts the world order. Persecution will come if you speak on something that others refuse to accept or cannot understand. As Jesus said, “they do not know the one who sent me.”
We can see this story unfold in Acts 19 with Paul in Ephesus.
23 About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. 24 A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. 25 He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”
28 When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
Acts 19:23-28
Learning from this lesson, we see that motivations from power and money are reasons for attacking Christians. We also note that Demetrius, the silversmith, used religion has a justification for violence. When others lose what they hold dear in this life, which are material possessions, they will use evil to promote and justify actions against Christianity. This happens all across the world. Christians who speak to the truth and life of Jesus, will be hindered by what others do not want to lose in this life.
The book of Hebrews encourages Christians to stand up and fight, even through the persecution and hardship. It is through the blood, sweat, and tears that we can overcome the evil and bring others to Christ. Jesus did this for us on the Cross, and we have not yet come to the point of shedding blood for our Savior (Hebrews 12:4).
Resist the urge to be silent. Speak up for what is right, what is good, and what is holy. God will be with you until the end of the age.
City Life Starter 
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