The Cost of Discipleship

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Lk 6:27). One of my Iranian parishioners started working at a local fast-food restaurant here in north Germany. A passionate evangelist, he immediately started telling his co-workers (most of whom are Muslim) about Jesus Christ. Many listened and were intrigued. About a week later, his manager called him into his office. “Listen, Mohammad…You are brand new here and are doing a good job. But I have some major problems with you. First, you are Iranian, and I am Syrian. We Arabs hate you Persians. But even more importantly, you were born and raised in a Muslim country and have insulted Allah by converting to Christianity. A few years ago, when I was still in Syria, we would have put you in an orange jumpsuit and executed you. Quit telling people about Jesus. And watch your back. You are on my list…” In a panic, Mohammad called me that evening and told me what had happened. “What should I do? I really need this job!” he asked. It occurred to me that some of our Iranian brothers and sisters in the faith are experiencing persecution much like the Early Christians. I also thought of some in the U.S. who complain about workplace harassment over completely trivial matters… We had a long conversation and I told him: “This is horrible. I can’t believe that guy is here in Germany… But stand strong. Do not relinquish your Christian faith. Jesus is with you. And even though that man hates you, try to be as nice to him as you can. Jesus tells us to love our enemies. On our own, that would be almost impossible to do. But the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to do this.” Mohammad went back to work the next day—with an anxious heart, realizing that he was experiencing the same tribulations as millions of persecuted Christians before him, but also greatly comforted by the fact that he is not alone. Christ is with him, as He is with all believers—no matter what trials we have to deal with in this life.