“If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you” – Jesus, shortly before he was crucified.

We sometimes forget this part. But this wasn’t just a passing comment. It’s kinda’ the deal.

American Thinker reports: Christianity Today recently published its overview of the 2026 Open Doors World Watch List, identifying the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to live openly as a Christian. While Christianity Today focuses on Syria, newly vaulted into the Top 10, the larger story is more global.
According to Open Doors, more than 388 million Christians now live under high levels of persecution or discrimination. That is roughly 1 in 7 believers worldwide. The trend is not driven by a single ideology or region but by a mix of fragile states, militant Islam, criminal networks and increasingly authoritarian governments.
The 10 most dangerous places to be a Christian in 2026 are: North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, and Iran.

Here’s my thinking. If the world ain’t pissed at you, you’re probably not imitating Christ well enough.

I mean, come on. We’re supposed to be following Jesus. You may have heard of him. He didn’t exactly promise a smooth ride. In fact, he asked us to pick up our cross. He told us to expect persecution. And that doesn’t just mean a strongly worded letter from HR. No, He went right to the heavy stuff.

And then there’s Paul: “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Not maybe. Not “if you’re not careful.” WILL be persecuted. Not just the ones who tweet too aggressively. Everyone. It’s like the Bible’s version of fine print: “Offer not valid in North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, or pretty much anywhere on the top 50 list from Open Doors.”

We’ve had two thousand years of warning. Nero used Christians as human torches for garden parties. The lions in the Colosseum weren’t getting fed because the Christians were winning popularity contests.
And now? Reports say 4,849 killed for their faith in the last reporting period. Sure, Nigeria is carrying more than its share like it’s auditioning for the lead role in “Most Dangerous Place to Own a Bible” but the whole world is against Christ.

Churches are burning across the globe, Christians are being displaced by the hundreds of thousands, families torn apart. It’s not new. It’s old. Older than dirt. It’s the same story since Cain got jealous and decided Abel’s worship was too showy. There are many people in this world who don’t want to hear about a king who isn’t them.

So no, we shouldn’t be shocked. We should be… what? Sad, sure. Angry, maybe. But mostly? We should be ready. And the best way to get ready is by praying. We should pray for those being persecuted right now and pray that we will show the same courage when it’s our turn.