Sunday last I sat comfortably in my church while millions of Christians around the world worshipped in secret for fear of death.

We had coffee, air conditioning, a clean facility, freedom of religion, and complacency.

They had darkness, risk, discomfort, and the fiery and fervent love of God borne through persecution.

For our freedoms in first world America we are grateful.  But we must guard against taking them for granted and becoming smug in our faith.  Hebrews 13:3 tells us plainly:  “Remember those in prison for their faith, as though you were there with them.”

There are currently an estimated 300 million Christians worldwide that are denied basic human rights because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  This is a reality that has existed ever since the inception of the Christian church.  Recent events such as the mall shooting in Nairobi and church attack in Pakistan remind us of the reality of the persecuted church around the world.

When we are made aware of it, we are then responsible for that knowledge.  We can either welcome that opportunity for conviction to grow in our heart, or dismiss it in exchange for ‘another day in paradise’.

Sadly, most of the first world church is unaware or unconcerned about the Biblical and real-world certainty of these things.  Instead we are more concerned about our sanitized facilities, our state-of-the-art sound systems, and our elaborate programs.  That, and football season.

The Bible describes a different kind of faith.  In Acts chapter 16, Paul and Silas sit in prison for their testimony of Jesus.  After being falsely accused, dragged before the authorities, beaten and placed in stocks, we find them in the dark, bloodied, at midnight….and singing hymns.  It is so awkward a scene that all of the other prisoners are awake too, listening to their worship.  And then God shows up.  A high price to pay for their faith, but quite the reward.

This passage serves as a model to us today.  We may not ever endure the things that these stalwart disciples did, but we can certainly learn from their experience and seek to grow mature in our faith.

How can we who are not living under religious persecution care for and identify with those who are?

First, we can become aware.  Reading this article may be the first step for some.  From there, I encourage you to begin educating yourself.  There are wonderful ministries such as Voice of the Martyrs and Samaritan’s Purse that will send you plenty of free information about the life and needs of the persecuted church.

We can pray.  As the Scripture above encourages, remember those who are suffering.  Make it a daily prayer around the dinner table.  Let your children know what is going on, and lead them in prayer for the same.

We can give.  Perhaps allocate a portion of your income to ministries that assist the persecuted church.  Or, participate in relief projects.  Last month our church sent several dozen relief packs to our brothers and sisters across the ocean.  These contained toys, soap, Bibles, and other practical needs.

Finally, we can change a few simple behaviors.  Eat out less and spend less on luxury.  Prize your Bible as if you could die for owning it.  When you go to church, go with the gratitude of a participant rather than the arrogance of a consumer.

Let’s attempt to be faithful to our Biblical call to care for the persecuted.  It will deepen our faith and perhaps even find us singing hymns in prison at midnight, surrounded by God’s glory.