While reflecting on his background and new life in Christ, the apostle Paul wrote, “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 rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (Philippians 3:7-9).
For Western Christians, these words from Paul are inspirational – perhaps even challenging. But, for many followers of Jesus in the hard places, they are much more. A profound reflection of their reality, they articulate a truth they know so clearly: that the decision to follow Christ is worth it, no matter the cost.
One of our workers in South Asia shared the story of her friend Rehana* and her mother, Fatima.* Coming from a different religious background, the two women chose to follow Jesus despite the risks involved – and several months ago, they faced the consequences of their decision.
Neighbors raided Fatima’s home and set fire to it in the middle of the night, and although she and her family remained safe, they lost nearly everything. Later, one of the attackers promised to return Fatima’s land and stolen possessions to her – but only if she renounced Christ and returned to her former religion.
“For [Fatima], it was an easy decision,” our worker recounts. “After so many years of knowing Jesus and experiencing his love, kindness, and provision, she could never return to a life without him.”
This sister, like others around the world persecuted for their faith, understands that the greatest treasure is knowing Christ – and in response, she has laid everything down at his feet. She has learned the secret of being content. She knows that to lose her life for his sake is to find it. And she declares that Jesus is worthy of it all.
*Names changed.