Being a Christian is the identity badge of believers in Jesus. It publicizes what’s most important to His disciples. As Paul says, “Christ is our life” (Colossians 3:4). If we’re known for anything, it ought to be our commitment to the Lord.
Being a Christian is also the culmination of working through the claims of the gospel. Christians don’t (or shouldn’t) dedicate themselves to Jesus on a whim. The gospel can withstand scrutiny. Christ insists we count the cost of discipleship (see Luke 14:25-35). Examining the gospel has persuaded us to recognize His Lordship (see Acts 17:10-12) .
What happens to us when we identify with Jesus and acknowledge His rule? We pay a price. We suffer.
“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. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” – 1 Peter 4:12-16
Christians should be familiar with suffering. Is Peter morbid? How negative is his outlook on life?
Peter’s no pessimist; he’s a realist. Preparing ourselves to suffer in this world makes sense for two reasons. First, our Lord suffered, so we’re following His example (1 Peter 2:19-25). Second, the world doesn’t like us (1 Peter 3:13-17); it berates and ostracizes us.
Rejection from one’s friends, family, and co-workers can debilitate the soul. When society shuns us, when personal supports are undercut, we have nothing to rely on.
Except Jesus.
And His people.
God will honor those who stay loyal to His Son. His glory rests upon those who “suffer shame for His Name” (Acts 5:41). And the Holy Spirit reinforces us in times of trial; He reminds us that we made the right decision. We’re convinced that identifying with Jesus is worth it.
Peter warns us against bringing suffering on ourselves, as if pain had inherent value. The apostle cites four reasons authorities will isolate a fellow from society: murder, theft, crime, and meddling. This list downgrades in impact as we move through it. What’s meddling compared to murder? But isn’t that how many people justify their deeds? Contrasting their behavior with blatant evils, they hope for exoneration.
But Christians face trouble not for crimes, but for having different values from the culture. Peter describes us as “foreigners and exiles” right where we live (1 Peter 2:11). Through Christ, God has called us to leave, not a physical location, but a spiritual one (1 Peter 2:9). Even though we model good behavior (1 Peter 2:12-18), we no longer fit into society. The world lives one way; we live another.
How, then, do we Christians endure among skeptics? We reject their shame and we praise our Lord. Even in the midst of trials, we have a lot to be thankful for. We have Jesus!
His name–disgraced as a curse word–is the source of salvation, as Peter declares:
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
The name of Jesus is the only hope for righting wrongs. We have no reason to feel ashamed of Christ. Far from it–in Him we have the hope of humanity!
In this time of political, social, and cultural upheaval, we Christians might find ourselves at odds with the beliefs and practices of society. Rather than abandon our allegiance to Jesus, let’s demonstrate how knowing and serving Him benefits everyone around us. Even if they reject our graciousness, let’s persevere. When Christ returns, the celebration will begin!
So be brave. As Pastor Tim Keller reminds us, “Even in a life filled with suffering, Christians are justified in God’s sight, adopted into his family, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and guaranteed a place in the new heaven and new earth—priceless things.”
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