Friday, December 4, 2009
Called to Suffer
(I Peter 2:19-25)
Christians are no strangers to suffering. From the very inception of the Christian church, Christ’s followers have faced merciless persecution. Indeed, all of the Apostles except John met with violent deaths at the hands of their persecutors.
Sometimes, however, Christians suffer more because of stupidity than because of spirituality. And Peter is careful to make this distinction (20). There are times when Christians make unwise decisions that garner just criticism from the world. Sometimes the followers of Christ exhibit “faults” before the world that justly deserve censure. Enduring such deserved criticism wins no crowns in heaven.
Christian suffering for Christ’s sake, however, wins points with God. In fact, such suffering is part of the Christian calling (21). In other words, I should expect to suffer for my testimony for Christ. Paul echoed the same sentiment when he said, “…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Tim. 3:12).
And, we are called to endure persecution as did Jesus: without revenge and threatening. Christians don’t return the world’s bad treatment in kind. Rather, we commit ourselves to Him “that judgeth righteously” (23)—knowing that God keeps a perfect record.
Suffering for righteousness, then, is a part of our calling. It is normal; we should expect it. Indeed, something is critically wrong if we don’t suffer persecution for Christ. And, when it comes, we should simply endure with dignity, grace and kindness—knowing that God keeps the score.
