On the Margins

Recent events have suggested to some, including Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, that Christians in Britain are being being pushed to the margins.
Research by the Evangelical Alliance made the same point, though I found it hard to recognise the symptoms which were their evidence. Maybe some feel under pressure and marginalised, while others do not!
What can we do about it?
In the new Testament, there was no special privileges or position for followers of Jesus. In fact, the prevailing wind was a strong blast of aggressive persecution or mockery. So St. Peter writes to the Christians he is supporting, encouraging good behaviour, whatever the weather.
'It is God’s will that your honourable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.  For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.' (1 Peter 2.15,19-21)
This is very challenging stuff, and teaches us what we might be unwilling to do. Fighting for our rights is so deeply ingrained in our culture, that we easily forget our responsibilities to shine for Jesus, especially when the going is tough.
So whether we are on the margins, or in the thick of shaping our culture, let us be grateful for the example of Jesus. 'He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.  He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.  Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2.22-25)
Jesus brings us in from the margins and welcomes us into the Father's home and family. That is a good place to be.
Best wishes,
Richard