I was talking with some of my classmates at seminary. One of them said something like this: “Constantine messed everything up.”

He was referring to the Roman Emperor Constantine. The Emperor’s conversion in the early fourth century was a significant step in the legalization of Christianity. It was increasingly safe and acceptable to be a follower of Jesus. There would be fewer lions, persecution, ridicule and marginalization.

My classmate’s comment was meant to be a discussion starter. He wondered if Christianity functioned with greater authenticity on the margins. Disciples as underdogs. When a religion becomes the “thing to do” motives can get blurry and zeal goes south. Are we praising God or pleasing people? Are we striving to fit in or be faithful? 

The church in the New Testament was initially small-but-mighty. In many ways it was a dangerous time to follow Jesus. As time marched on, the church grew. This was largely due to Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). The Holy Spirit was powerfully at work. It’s good when more and more people believe in and follow Jesus. 

Here’s why I provide this background. Many people can get discouraged when they feel like they’re in the minority, or when they feel excluded or ridiculed because of their faith. If so, remember that it hasn’t always been that way. The apostle’s statement in 1 Peter 4:14 is as relevant today as it was then: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

Second, when you are in the minority it can purify your motives. Philip Yancey writes: “Christians best thrive as a minority, a counterculture.”* I don’t have the data on that, but there’s something to it. When we’re more concerned with honouring God than with propping up the status quo, our faith showcases more muscle than flab.

Let’s talk about Jesus. Let’s do the work of Jesus. Let’s honour Jesus. Sometimes that will be met with resistance. Sometimes it won’t. That’s okay. Our goal is faithfulness not a glowing review on the six o’clock news. 

Be humble. Be courageous. Be truthful. Be loving.
Be faithful—no matter what.

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Notes:

–*Philip Yancey, Vanishing Grace (Zondervan: 2014), 258.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.