Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly sinner?"
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:12-19 (NIV)
Rejoice in our suffering for His sake. Is that not what sets us apart? When we joined this select group of Christians, we were never promised an easy road, instead, for suffering in His name, a reward greater than any task set before us.
The reward must be great or why would Jesus go knowingly to that hideous death on the cross; why did Peter ask to be crucified upside down; why did Paul rejoice in his many trials and tribulations while spreading the Good News?
Yet I whimper like a baby when I cannot watch a TV show due to being asked to serve at church. I nor most others do not know the true meaning of trials and tribulations. I and most others sit in church on Sunday dozing off. Such suffering. What a divine and heavenly gift it is to be allowed to join the community of Christ.
We must give thanks with true faith and praise. Most of us need reminding from time to time. Most of us need to revive or rededicate ourselves regularly, and give our Father some of our precious time.
The reward must be great or why would Jesus go knowingly to that hideous death on the cross; why did Peter ask to be crucified upside down; why did Paul rejoice in his many trials and tribulations while spreading the Good News?
Yet I whimper like a baby when I cannot watch a TV show due to being asked to serve at church. I nor most others do not know the true meaning of trials and tribulations. I and most others sit in church on Sunday dozing off. Such suffering. What a divine and heavenly gift it is to be allowed to join the community of Christ.
We must give thanks with true faith and praise. Most of us need reminding from time to time. Most of us need to revive or rededicate ourselves regularly, and give our Father some of our precious time.
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