SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

By David J. Riggs

Suffering is to be expected by those who follow Christ. "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Tim. 3:12). Christians are not to regard it odd or uncommon when they are made to suffer for Christ. "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you." (1 Pet. 4:12). Instead of being surprised when persecutions come, one should be surprised if they don't come. In fact, one would do well to consider whether or not he is living godly in Christ if he is not suffering persecutions. Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26).

When one is converted to Christ and begins to live godly in Him, persecutions of all kinds are usually heaped upon him. Often relatives and loved ones turn against him. Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household." (Matt. 10:34-36). Often the first to place undesirable terms on the new converts are their own close friends and companions. "In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you." (1 Pet. 4:4).

Persecutions, whatever they may be, must be endured. We cannot place our relatives and loved ones above the Lord (Matt. 10:37). We must carry our cross daily (Luke 9:23). We will be hated of all men for his name's sake, but we must endure (Matt. 10:22). We will have sore tribulations, but we must be faithful to death (Rev. 2:10). "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him." (2 Tim. 2:12).

We should never be ashamed for suffering as Christians. "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Pet. 4:16). Jesus said, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26).

Persecutions must be endured with patience. "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." (1 Pet. 2:20). "...Knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Rom. 5:3-4).

Let us count it a great honor and privilege to be allowed to take part in the afflictions of Christ. The apostles rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41). The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed (Rom. 8:18). "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Cor. 4:17).