An impossible vision

As many of you no doubt know, CSW’s vision is ‘a world free from religious persecution’. This may appear to be a reasonably straightforward mission, but if we stop for a moment to consider the subject more carefully, we can quickly find ourselves questioning how realistic a vision this in fact is.

‘In this world you will have trouble’ ( John 16:33)

Jesus forewarned his followers that they’d endure suffering and persecution – an inevitable part of the Christian life, for as long as they inhabit the world to which they don’t belong.

But if suffering for the sake of Christ is part of the course of life for believers, does this mean that we should be resigned to this reality and give up our mission now? If we believe our vision won’t be realised in this life – indeed that it’s contrary to Christ’s own teaching – are we wasting our time and energy in striving for the theologically unattainable?

Our CEO, Scot Bower, was recently asked this question in an interview with TWR-UK. When asked whether he thought CSW’s vision of ‘a world free from religious persecution’ was achievable in our lifetime, after a few moments’ reflection Scot provided the only response he felt fitting: ‘Just because something’s impossible doesn’t mean you don’t shoot for it.’

‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest’ (Galatians 6:9)

And he was right. Our doing good – our striving for a world free from religious persecution – doesn’t depend on whether we think, theologically speaking, this ambition is attainable.

That’s not to say that we should waste our time with work that has no direction or possible hope of success; we’re only too conscious of our responsibility to those for whom we work, and to you, our supporters.

But we should also not fear working towards a goal which appears impossible. We advocate for those unable to practise their religion or belief freely, because it is good and right to do so. And we know that at the proper time we will reap a harvest as a result.

‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works’ (Ephesians 2:10)

Christ teaches us, quite resolutely, that the poor will always be with us – but he in no way suggests that we ought to accept this state of poverty. Rather, he instructs us to offer practical and material support to those in need (Matthew 25:34).

So too we can expect persecution, but we certainly can’t accept it.

As Christians, we’re called to every work which sees us partaking in God’s mission on earth. At CSW that means speaking up for those denied their religious freedom.

Yes, there will be times when the work seems overwhelming and impossible. But just because the journey is hard – and the ultimate destination unreachable in this life – we are no less determined to pursue this calling. Our vision is indeed of a world free from religious persecution and we will continue to work towards this vision for however long it takes – not naively, but passionately, with conviction and knowing that there is no greater work in this life than to bring God’s heavenly kingdom to earth.

What’s more, we have every confidence that God will continue to reassure us of his presence along the way. With every prisoner released, every unjust sentence overturned, every gift received – he is encouraging us to continue to pursue this work. For his kingdom and glory.

Watch Scot’s full interview with TWR-UK below