Read 1 Peter 4:1-6
None of us looks forward to suffering. However, when we suffer on account of our faith in Christ, it is so much better than the alternative of being lost in our sin. Our suffering will not last forever, but our future with Christ never ends. If we chose to stay stuck in our sin, carousing with our friends like we used to, we would miss out on the great inheritance Jesus is preparing for us.
When we live for God, Peter tells us we’ll need to expect suffering, just like Jesus did. This isn’t the only passage in the Bible that warns us about suffering and staying strong. I appreciate that we are told up front what to expect. Nobody can claim to be surprised when we encounter suffering.
I am a “glass half full” kind of person, so rather than focus on the suffering, I focus on a life with Jesus. Our reward is great. Having good things often requires effort and sacrifice. Think of a body builder wanting a muscular physique. It doesn’t happen without effort and enduring pain.
Take inventory of what’s important in your life. Are you desiring things that distract you from God or following his will for your life? Are you afraid to lose friends who won’t understand your Christian priorities? It seems more and more that Christian values and beliefs are being trampled on by what society says is “politically correct.”
Peter doesn’t sugar coat the reality here. It can be hard to remain strong and turn away from the sinful behavior our friends and loved ones expect us to continue like they do. Peter tells us they’ll be surprised. Can you think of a situation when a friend questioned you for your choice to follow Jesus?
Do you ever miss your old life? Peter is not condemning the unfaithful here, he is simply trying to build up the believers. Peter is arming us with the inevitable truth that unbelievers will not understand us or our choices.
How do we stand strong? Remembering what Jesus did for us is a good place to start. That’s what Peter does. According to Hebrews 12:2-3: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”
Suffering for Christ may be a new concept for you. Maybe you’ve never been ridiculed or called a bigot for following the direction of Scripture. We’re called to worship God. We’re called to love. We’re called to make disciples. Sometimes we encounter push back. Peter wanted us to be ready.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you that I have not encountered more suffering in my life for my faith. Help me to have more of an attitude like Jesus to face any such suffering with grace. I want to live in your will and preach your truth no matter what others think of me. Give me the boldness I need and prepare ears to hear your words of promise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
