1 Peter 4:14 – 19 “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler. But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
“If you want to be popular, sell ice cream. But if you are a Christian, sooner or later, you will be unpopular.” This meme appeared recently on FaceBook and it is really accurate! Stand for righteousness and sooner or later, somebody is going to be hacked off at you. But while you are standing for righteousness, make sure you are not just being obnoxious!
Several years ago, we attended a church where one fellow prided himself on being a defender of the faith. But after awhile we realized that the faith he was defending was a very narrow view of Christianity and that he was far more willing to pick fights than to try to meet people where they were and to find common ground. While our friend had undoubtedly read these verses from 1 Peter 4 at some point, he obviously failed to notice the part about being a meddler!
Dallas Willard wrote an excellent book entitled The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus. Willard’s main point throughout the book was that Christians should know what they believe and why they believe; however, they should also study the example of Jesus. Jesus never compromised in his teachings about the Kingdom of God, but he also treated his hearers with gentleness. The major exceptions came when hypocritical religious leaders were acting as obstructions to people entering the Kingdom, rather than as facilitators.
Many of us remember coming home and begging to do something because “everybody else is doing it.” And the answer was generally the same: “You are my child, and you are not doing that.” In the same way, God wants his children to behave differently from non believers. This is why judgement begins with the family of God.
Yesterday we mentioned Christians who are suffering in various parts of the world. These people did nothing to deserve murder, starvation, physical abuse, or anything else that came upon them. Peter wants Christians to understand that we can’t misbehave and then run back and hide behind God; it simply won’t work.
Verse 19 contains a difficult truth, namely, that sometimes Christians ARE going to suffer according to God’s will. The story is told of Dr. Jeanette Troup, a missionary surgeon in Jos, Nigeria, who was one of the first doctors to die with Lassa Fever. As Jeanette began caring for patients suffering from this new illness, she told someone that “Nothing can come to me that has not already passed through the hand of God.” Jeanette Troup entrusted her soul to a faithful Creator and continued to serve faithfully, even though she realized she was taking risks. Dr. Jeanette did die as a result of Lassa; however, she left a legacy of faith and courage that has inspired others ever since.
PRAYER: Father God, help us to be faithful. We thank you that when suffering comes, we can continue to trust you, knowing that you are faithful. Help us to be steadfast but gentle when we are telling others about you. In the mighty Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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