A nation where there are very few humble, honest, self-denying, Spirit-led, Jesus-focused, Christ-like, compassion-radiating people is not a Christian nation. Where can you find the most people like that? They are mainly found in places where Christ-followers are persecuted.

Persecution purifies Christians. That’s why Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12) According to Jesus, Christians should celebrate when they are persecuted, not when they are applauded.

Two of the countries that most actively and cruelly persecute Christians are China and Iran. In both of those countries, Christianity has been rapidly expanding.

The opposite happens when Christianity becomes recognized and applauded by a government. History shows that when a government boasts about Christianity, it often uses religion to justify its policies, protect its power, and condemn its enemies. Throughout history, governments have promoted much cruelty (racism, segregation, lying, genocide, slavery, torture, war, assassinations) in the name of Christ.

Comfortable religious programs puff people up with pride and spiritual complacency. They tend to make them self-righteous and blind them to injustice. They open people up to false prophets and deception.

Since Christ’s kingdom is not of this world (John 18:26) boasting and trusting in a nation is contrary to biblical Christianity. Jesus came for every nation, not just one. (Matthew 28:19-20) The more Christianity focuses on political power, the more it abandons spiritual power and the less Christ-like it becomes.