I am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus suggests another kind of persecution. “Sham persecution” is a focus on “all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matthew 5:11). Insults are abusive words said to your face, but all kinds of evil are primarily abusive words said behind your back. This suggests major war taking place about which we do not know. There are multitudes of incidents, plots, and demonic strategies assaulting us. We may never know the full employment of the forces of evil being hurled against us.
But the final word is “It does not matter!” We are to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” (Matthew 5:12). The final word about persecution from Jesus is “focus.” Do not focus on the hurt, the pain, or the slander; we must focus on Jesus. Do not focus on the negative, the wrong, or what is unfair; focus on Jesus. Do not focus on what others are doing to you; focus on what Jesus wants to do through you to them. He is always redemptive. The wonder of what we experience in the Beatitudes so overshadows anything negative that we hardly notice it. After all it is all “for My sake.” Any persecution you experience is linked intimately with Him. What a privilege to suffer for Jesus’ sake! If He is not more important to you than your personal comfort, you do not know Him! I am a Jesus pusher!!!