During a pastor’s conference in 1999, in response to a question regarding the lack of persecution in America, John Piper said the following:
Avoidance ethics, avoidance ethics, is probably not what Paul meant by; “Those who desire to be Godly will be persecuted (2Tim. 3:12).” I think Godliness is such a radical God-orientation that you are freed from the things of this world for risk-taking, big time, in love.
I just think radical godliness will get you in trouble, and then you wont have to ask the question you just asked anymore, and neither will I.
(source)
In other words, if we loved like Christ loved, we would be persecuted (John 15:20). Or, stated negatively, some Christians are not persecuted more because they don’t love more. That is a concerning thought.
Oh, for God-likeness. Oh that I, even I, could be made like Christ, conforming to His perfect holiness.
Here are some more verses to consider along these lines:
2Tim. 3:12, Heb 12:6, Act 14:22, Rom 8:17-18, 1Co 12:26, Php 1:29, 1Pe 4:12-13
