But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:7–11 (RSV)
If today, there came a knock at the door, with a question, "Do you confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God?" What would your answer be? Would this affect your answer: A 'yes' would subject you to arrest, torture and prison. All of your possessions, your home, and assets seized. Your family is placed under watch, questioned, and threatened.
How would you answer under those circumstances? I know how I would like to respond. I want to think I would have great courage and dedication to Christ to say, 'Yes confidently.'
But a 'yes' is easy sitting at my computer, cup of tea at hand, the protection of our Constitution assuring that this sort of thing will not happen here. It can and does happen in several places today. It was a reality as St. Paul wrote to the Philippians about what he had suffered for Christ.
As He called His disciples, Jesus warned them that as the world hated Him, it would turn its attention on them. The call to follow has been given to all who confess Jesus as Lord. What are you willing to sacrifice for His sake?