Rejoicing in Trials

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

The Bible says, in many different passages, that true disciples of Jesus Christ will be persecuted. It is inevitable, a natural consequence of exhibiting true Christian character. And yet, any honest assessment of the Christian church in the United States must point up that although the country itself is far from being Christian and is ungodly, nevertheless there is very little persecution of Christians today. Undoubtedly there is racial persecution for some. There is persecution in politics and sometimes, I suppose, in business. But there is very little persecution for most Christians, at least openly. What is wrong? Is it possible that the Bible is wrong? Or are Christians today simply not showing forth the type of righteous character that Jesus said results in persecution?