One Body

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Heb. 13:3)”
One of my college professors described the United States as a limousine driving through a third world country. We are so protected and comfortable that we forget there is a world of suffering outside our borders. Countries are fraught with famine, disease, poverty, and war. Every once in a while, we may catch a glimpse of a commercial on television or a bit on the news that brings the uncomfortable truth into our living room. Some may even be prompted to give of their plenty to help ease the suffering of a few. And well we should. There is enough wealth in the US to help much more than we do. However, there is one thing that the media does not regularly draw attention to: the plight of persecuted Christians.
In some places, Christians meet in secret, holding onto scraps of scripture and encouraging one another knowing that any minute they may be invaded and captured. Bibles are smuggled over borders and into homes because proof of Christianity is certain death. Even families kill their own children when they hear of the conversions. The list goes on. There are several Christian organizations that give reports about worldwide persecution as well as support and aid to those in chains. All one has to do is type in “persecuted Christians” on any web browser and there they are.
The first part of I Corinthians chapter 12 speaks of spiritual gifts, but then it switches to a description of the body of Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…If one part suffers, every part suffers (12:12,26).” The society we live in is an individualistic one, but the kingdom of God is not. The bible instructs us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and to “esteem others better than yourself.” (Meaning putting their needs ahead of your own.) Not all believers are called over seas, but we are all called to look after those who do with support and fervent prayer. When those believers fall into persecution and captivity, our prayer should be as if we were suffering right beside them.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Those that are giving not only their freedom, but their lives are doing so for an even greater mandate. To bring eternal freedom to those in chains of spiritual bondage. Let us join them in their task by fervent prayer and action.