This is not really a political fight, not one that can be won, at least. The Pakistani government and Muslim extremists throughout the country have pushed hard to make “blasphemy” against Muhammad not only punishable by death alone but also more accessible to be used to persecute Christians.
The old ways of life in prison and heavy fines are being replaced by the death penalty and outrageously long appeals processes. It is making it all seem very similar to the Salem witch trials in which accusations are often enough to put a person at risk of their freedom and life. When someone is discovered to be a Christian, it’s easy for adversaries to bring them into the spotlight through accusation. Business rivals, for example, can increase business by making blasphemy claims against their competitors.
Christian and human rights organizations are calling for the international community to intercede, using commerce restrictions to force the Pakistani government to reverse their direction and end the persecutions. This is admirable but futile. The only real solution here is prayer and support from individual Christians. Those being persecuted in Pakistan need our help. They don’t need protests that will go nowhere.
It’s not to say that those fighting for change are doing so in vain. Any exposure to the challenges Christians face anywhere in the world are worthy. It is, however, extremely unlikely that Pakistan will stop persecuting Christians regardless of whether the laws are changed. First, such changes will take so much time that it will fade from the public spotlight. Second, even if the changes are made, there will be other ways that will rise up to persecute Christians.
This is a global offensive, but there is one thing to remember that should give those of us who are away from the situation some solace for our Christian brothers and sisters. It’s hard to understand now in this life, but remember what Jesus said in the Beatitudes:
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This life was not made to be easy. For some of us, it is, and unfortunately that’s not a good thing though we don’t see it that way right now. Those who die in Pakistan or anywhere in the world for the sake of their beliefs in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will have their rewards for persevering through the hardships of this life. While it’s strange to believe that anyone being tortured or killed is being blessed as a result, the truth is that they are. The hardest it is to be a Christian, the more rewarded they will be in Heaven.
According to Christian Today:
Minority faith groups in Pakistan are living in constant fear of punishment, as human rights groups say that the laws are frequently misused by extremists. False charges are often bought against Christians in order to settle personal scores or to seize property or businesses.
Read More: Christian Today
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