Suffering

1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

I frequently marvel at the faith which the first Christians displayed. They were hunted down like animals; they were cast out of their families and communities; they were hung on crosses and savaged by lions. They experienced suffering and persecution, yet they still managed to endure. Their faithfulness in adversity, their focus on their Savior, and their fellowship in frightening times, are wonders to behold and blessings for us in the 21st century. Why? Because without their perseverance, we would not be Christians, and the world would be a terrible place to live in.

Sometimes, I think that our present generation of church people has grown soft and flexible, loving comfort more than Christ, seeking satisfaction rather than saving souls. I wonder what would happen to the Christian faith if, overnight, we faced the same trials and tribulations of the early Christians? Would we yield to our oppressors? Would we surrender to secularism? Would we deny our Savior?

Fortunately, for us, we don't have to face anything remotely like that, but there are other Christians in the world in places like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma, and even India, where our brothers and sisters in the faith will be hunted down, harassed, tormented, and even killed before the sun sets tonight. Their faith is stronger than ours; their commitment to Christ is better than our own; their service to God is a matter of life and death, not a life style choice or leisure pursuit.

When Time comes to an end and History is over, we'll all be standing in line, awaiting our crowns of glory. We, who are always so used to being first, will be at the back of the line, watching those Christians who have nothing but faith being brought forward to the places of honor, glory, and power before us. It will come as a shock to us, but not a surprise, for hasn't the Savior often said, "The first will be last, and the last will be first?"

Wherever you go today and whatever you do, be a Christian first and foremost. Treat people with respect, serve one another, and show love. And if you happen to be hurt or disappointed by someone else, don't fret over it. Just return the hurt with healing, your wounds with love, and your disappointment with genuine grace. For those are the things that truly make us Christian.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You keep challenging us because You want to change our ways. We have grown so used to being at the center of everything, that we have forgotten to serve You and love one another. Keep us from exaggerating our hurts and disappointments by reminding us of the real wounds and suffering that other Christians are enduring even as we pray. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and remorsefully pray. Amen.