Modern Martyrs

The Daily synaxis of saints almost always includes the story of a martyr who was ‘put on trial’ and tortured for their faith. These stories can inspire us to live ‘against the odds’ of modern society, even if our martyrdom does not include whips and iron stakes.

Consider the story of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. They were brought in front of the pagan leaders because they were not participating in the approved idol festivals. They didn’t go looking for trouble. They just didn’t participate.

It wasn’t enough that they remained silent about their Christian faith. They were required to engage in the approved ‘social contract’ of the approved idols. It was when they explained their position that their trouble began. They gave their lives for Christ.

Now, think about how this can inspire us today. There are many ‘social contracts’ we face daily in the workplace and even at school. Have you considered not engaging in the ‘normal’ behavior of ruthless business deals and cheating the system?

We don’t have to make religious declarations to remain faithful to Christ. Most often it is our willingness to avoid the behaviors that are not in line with our Christian faith that gets the attention of those around us. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to cheat to get ahead.

Here’s the risk. Here’s the martyrdom that will come from breaking the ‘social contracts’ with others. Just like Saints Sergius and Bacchus, we might be called out to explain ourselves. That will be the time for us to simply say, “I don’t want to do business like that.”

You don’t need to fall on your sword every time you are challenged. Your willingness to stand firm to our Christian morals will be known to God. Afterall, it is God’s eye we want to catch, not the stranger’s across the room. You may even lose some deals because of your actions.

That’s what I mean by modern martyrs. While it is possible to face physical torture, often our modern society has other ways to torture us. Taking away our bonus check goes a long way toward making us ‘rethink’ our choices. We need to stand strong as Christians.

Whether it is at work, at school, or even at your neighborhood association meeting, simply living by the standards Christ gives us is all the confession you really need. If your behaviors are noticed and you have a chance to defend the faith, that will be an extra blessing.

In the meantime, pleasing God should be enough. He is after all Who we are defending in the first place. In my personal experience, not engaging in normal ‘social contracts’ doesn’t even get noticed. We simply get passed over in favor of the ‘other guy’ and that’s ok by me.