Articles
Share the Sufferings of Christ
Share the Sufferings of Christ
Peter has spent much time writing about the suffering that these early Christians faced. Now in chapter 4 he writes: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
Concerning such tribulation and suffering, Jesus warned: "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (John 15:20) "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Paul warned: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (2 Timothy 3:12). Again, he says that he went to the various churches “...strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
James encouraged: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3).
So, such fiery trials are common to the godly. It is not a strange thing that they happen but the norm for godly people.
Upon reading this I look back at my experiences as a believer. That makes me look at the experiences that most believers in America have had. It seems that we haven’t suffered much at all. Would we have become Christians if it meant losing our jobs? Would we have continued to meet and worship if it meant being thrown in prison (1st-century prison and not today’s American version). Would we have publicly confessed our faith if it meant being stoned to death for it? I have trouble believing we would.
Many of us don’t even want to ‘make waves’ about our religion if it means that the situation we are in will become uncomfortable. If our relationship becomes awkward we often choose to not speak up. If we act like this in the ‘easy times’, what would we do in the difficult ones?
It seems to me that the strange thing is that we don’t suffer much as Christians. We live in a country that allows us to speak up - or we did. Such times may be changing! We may be heading into times where our faith will be reviled and we will have to suffer as a Christian. So be it. Let us pray that our faith is up to the challenge.
Hugh DeLong
