Embracing the Jesus Way
When Faith Brings Hardship
In our comfortable Western world, it's easy to forget that following Jesus was never meant to be a smooth, conflict-free journey. As disciples of Jesus, we're called to swim upstream, to stand out in a world that often pushes against the very values we hold dear. Let's explore what it truly means to live out our faith proactively, even when it brings hardship.
“Advocating for someone or something else in the name of Jesus is likely to bring opposition.”
—Bart Blair
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossian church, makes a startling statement: "I'm glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church" (Colossians 1:24). At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Who rejoices in suffering? But Paul's perspective reveals a profound truth about the nature of following Jesus.
Swimming Upstream in a "Truth is Relative" Culture
In America today, we're surrounded by a culture that perpetuates the idea that people can define their own "truth." It's a mentality that says, "What's true for you might not be true for me, and that's okay." But as disciples of Jesus, we're called to a different standard. We defer to the truth found in the Bible, even when it puts us at odds with the prevailing cultural mindset.
This commitment to biblical truth often means swimming upstream against the current of popular opinion. It might mean standing firm on moral issues when society is shifting. It could involve making business decisions based on ethical principles rather than just profit margins. Or it might mean speaking up for the sanctity of life in a culture that often devalues it.
Jesus himself warned us that this wouldn't be easy. In John 15:20, He reminds us, "Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." When we align ourselves closely with Jesus, we should expect to face some level of opposition.
Advocating for the Jesus Way
But what does it look like to advocate for the Jesus way in our daily lives? It's about more than just personal piety; it's about actively engaging with the world around us in a way that reflects Christ's love and justice.
This might mean:
Standing up for the poor and marginalized in our communities
Choosing to do the "right thing" in our personal and business practices, even when it costs us
Speaking truth in love, even when it's unpopular
Showing radical forgiveness and grace in a world quick to condemn
Prioritizing others' needs above our own comfort or gain
When we live this way, we're likely to face hardship. We might be passed over for promotions because we refuse to compromise our integrity. We could lose friends because we choose to speak truth rather than go along with the crowd. We might face ridicule or exclusion because our lifestyle choices don't align with societal norms.
But here's the thing: this kind of "suffering" for our faith is actually a badge of honor. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12? "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."
Persecution Then and Now
Now, it's important to keep things in perspective. When we talk about suffering for our faith in America today, it's on a different scale than what the early church faced. In the first century, standing up for Jesus could mean imprisonment or even death. In some parts of the world today, that's still true.
In contrast, our "persecution" might look more like social rejection, career setbacks, or feeling alienated from certain groups. It's not the same as facing the lions in the Roman Colosseum, but it's still real, and it still hurts.
The early apostles provide a powerful example of how to respond to this kind of opposition. In Acts 5, after being beaten and ordered not to speak in Jesus' name, we're told that they left "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41). They saw their suffering as an honor, a sign that they were truly following in Jesus' footsteps.
Stepping Up Our Game
If we're honest with ourselves, many of us might realize that we're not facing much hardship for our faith at all. And that should prompt us to ask some hard questions. Are we really swimming upstream, or have we become too comfortable going with the flow? Are we hiding our faith to avoid conflict, or are we boldly living it out in a way that others can see?
Paul's life was completely transformed by his encounter with Jesus. He went from being a persecutor of Christians to being persecuted for Christ. His about-face put him at odds with his entire community and previous way of life. Are we willing to let Jesus change us that radically?
If we're not facing any opposition for our faith, it might be time to step up our game. This doesn't mean we should go looking for conflict, but it does mean we should be more intentional about living out our faith in visible, practical ways.
Advocating for Others in Jesus' Name
One powerful way to live out our faith is by advocating for others in Jesus' name. This is where the rubber meets the road in terms of putting our faith into action. It's about looking beyond our own interests and standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves.
This could mean:
Speaking out against injustice in your community or workplace
Volunteering with organizations that serve the marginalized
Using your skills or resources to help those in need
Being a voice for the voiceless in your sphere of influence
When we advocate for others in this way, we're likely to face opposition. But we're also likely to make a real difference in people's lives and to show the world what Jesus' love looks like in action.
Embracing Hardship for Christ
As we wrap up, let's return to Paul's words in Colossians. He says he's glad to suffer because he's "participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church." There's something profoundly unifying about sharing in Christ's sufferings. When we face hardship for our faith, we're joining with Jesus and with believers around the world and throughout history who have stood firm in their convictions.
So, disciples of Jesus, let's embrace this calling. Let's be willing to swim upstream, to stand out, to advocate for others even when it brings hardship. Let's see our suffering not as something to be avoided, but as an honor, a sign that we're truly following in Jesus' footsteps.
Remember, when we suffer for doing good, when we face opposition for standing up for what's right, Jesus is right there with us. He feels our pain, He understands our struggles, and He promises that our faithfulness will be rewarded.
So let's step up our game. Let's live out our faith boldly and proactively. Let's be willing to face hardship for the sake of the gospel. Because at the end of the day, there's no greater joy, no greater purpose, than to hear our Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Are you ready to swim upstream?
Check out this article for folks just starting out in their faith journey