The people who hold their faith dearest are often the ones who have paid the highest price for it. The New testament records how Paul and other apostles were flogged, imprisoned, beaten, stoned, whipped, and shipwrecked, enduring enmity and false accusations and hunger and thirst, and going without sleep for the sake of the gospel. In chapter 10 of the letter to the Hebrews, the readers are exhorted to remember the hardships of the early days:
Remember the early days when you were first enlightened, and you survived through a tremendous battle with hardships, sometimes being exposed to insults and persecution, and sometimes supporting people who were being treated like that. You suffered together with people who were imprisoned, and were happy to let your property be seized, knowing that you possessed something better and more lasting. So do not throw away your boldness, which will be greatly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive the promise.
All followers of Jesus need somehow to capture the boldness and courage of those who were prepared to pay any price for the sake of the gospel. In most developed countries Christians currently have freedom to express their faith without significant persecution, but that freedom may not last forever. Now is the time for strengthening of faith and conviction because the future is certain to require great boldness.