“Indeed, all who desire to live godly  in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (Second Timothy 3:12).

Driving along the interstate from Mobile to New Orleans recently, I was struck by the relentless assault of billboards promoting the numerous casinos along the coast.  One after another shouted about shows and concerts, giveaways, jackpots, winners, great food, and fine hotels.  But not one word was said regarding the massive amounts of money people lose in those places, or the gambling addiction that ruins their lives, or the personal problems resulting from casinos.

Some have even noted that when bettors lose big and take their lives in the casino parking lots, not a word will appear in the local newspapers about it.  Is there a conspiracy of some kind to protect this industry?

The government which requires truth in advertising might want to give attention to the oversights associated with gambling in this country.

Then again, I wonder sometimes what if our churches were required to tell the “full story” in all our advertisements….

–“Everyone is welcome!”  The fine print would add, “Except for those not of our race.” Or, “Except those unwilling to subscribe to our weird doctrine and strange policies.”

–“You will love Pastor and Mrs. Shepherd!” The fine print might say, “Unless you are among the hundreds who have left our church because of their heavy-handed tactics.”

–“On mission for the Savior!” The fine print would read, “With whatever funds are left after paying the pastor his massive salary and underwriting the expensive new buildings!”

–“Johnny Winklehofer, Pastor.” The fine print might say, “The word ‘pastor’ is used to mean Dr. Winklehofer is Numero Uno around here, and does not imply he does any actual pastoring of the flock.”

No one can accuse the Lord Jesus Christ of glossing over the negative side of living for Him or of having a hidden agenda.  Consider these statements…

–In Mark 10:29-30, Jesus said anyone who leaves everything to follow Him “shall receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions, and in the age to come, eternal life.”

The next time you find yourself the target of accusations and opposition because of your discipleship, remember He told you to expect it.

–In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness…” And, “blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of me….” (Matthew 5:10-11).

You are not allowed to belly-ache with a “Why me, O Lord?” when the world turns against you.  Jesus wrote this into the standard contract, that persecution is part of the plan.  Deal with it.

–Jesus warned His people that they would be arrested and scourged, and brought before high-ranking magistrates and governors and put on trial. “You will be hated by all on account of my name.” And He added, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next.” (Matthew 10:16ff.)

Anyone see a trend here?

–Jesus said, “No one of you can be my disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33).

We must not quibble when our Lord asks for us to release some of the money or resources which  He has put in our hands for Kingdom work. He told us from the beginning to give it up to Him.

When our Lord was put on trial and shunted over to the home of old Annas, the godfather of high priests, they said to Him, “Tell us what you have been saying to the people.”  Jesus replied, “I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I spoke nothing in secret.  So, if you want to know what I said, ask these who heard, for they were there.” (John 18:19-21)

There was no fine print. Jesus had nothing to hide. He told everyone the whole story from the beginning.

So, why do we not ‘get it’? 

1)People do not know their Scriptures.

2) People do not want to see this, so most ignore it.  It does not fit in their system. They read the Scriptures but  do not hear these words. As a result, they are surprised by persecution, blind-sided by problems, and devastated by suffering.

3) Once the hard times set in, they wonder where God is, ask why he allowed this, and question what this reveals about flaws in the Christian faith. They were not paying attention.

4) Since we don’t want this–and prefer a prosperity gospel–we then misrepresent Him to those we witness to or preach to. And the cycle goes on and on.

The gospel song says, “Make the message clear and plain! Christ receiveth sinful men!” 

The Apostle Paul was calling for clarity and transparency when he said to a church, “If the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle?” (I Corinthians 14:8)

Some will protest, “If we tell people the dark side of discipleship–the costs, the hardships, and such–fewer will turn to Jesus.”

Anyone familiar with the ministry of Jesus knows He will take a few faithful over a multitude of the complacent any day of the week.

Now, let’s go tell people the truth, and live it out before the world.