Have we forgotten martyrdom in our apathy?

I sometimes think that the Western Church grew weak because we stopped telling the stories of martyrs. We relegated their examples to the forgotten annals of history. And we have adopted a weak faith that flees from adversity. The truth is that the Church has thrived during the times of persecution. Persecution has always been used as a refining fire to purify the Bride of Christ. For years the Chinese church has prayed that we here in America might know the same joy of persecution that they have known.

I rejoice in the fact that I am able to worship freely. I rejoice that I do not need to fear for my life or freedom. But I sometimes wonder if I am utilizing this freedom properly. Am I taking full advantage of my religious liberties? Or am I squandering the blessing that I have to live in this country?

I have grown up with the stories of the ancient martyrs. My own grandmother has told me her first hand accounts of being in the underground church in Nazi Germany. And how as they worshipped in secret they vowed to one another that they would not do so once they had their freedom. And the very first Sunday, after the Americans liberated their city, they held their first public meeting in the local park. Over those next few years they saw many come to Christ. My great grandfather, himself a butcher by trade, planted thirteen churches. Will we here in America only appreciate our freedom once we lose it? Or will we utilize it now? Apathy is our biggest enemy.