Suffering!

Some years ago, when gals would get all dressed up to go out and have a good time, they prepared by clipping on earrings (this was before piercing became popular) and slipping on high healed shoes that came to a narrow point. Upon their return home, how eager they seemed to be to get those clip-on earrings off the ears and feet free of the shoes. Then they would sit awhile rubbing their pinched ears and sore feet. Now let me also quickly draw attention to some of the pointed boots worn by guys that also placed pressure on the toes or belts that uncomfortably held the stomach in. In this we see the desire to look good, but in turn suffering for it. Being stylish, but enduring the pain because of what was chosen to be worn. And how soon that was forgotten as it would all be done again. However, in the process of the suffering, who was the desire to impress?

Is it not the same with our spiritual life? Who are we trying to impress. Through impressing the world, have we felt the pain because we knew we were not doing right or suffered the consequences directly linked to the choices we made? On the other hand, we can seek to please God and suffer for it at the hands of the world. One suffering we bring upon ourselves (like the earrings and shoes chosen to be worn again and again) while the other is simply because the world does not share the values of God as we do.

Peter exhorted and encouraged. . .
"(20) For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if WHEN YOU DO GOOD AND SUFFER FOR IT you endure, THIS IS A GRACIOUS THING IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. (21) For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." ( 1 Peter 2:20-21 ESV)

Peter later went on to write. . .
"(13) But rejoice insofar as you SHARE CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (14) If you are insulted for THE NAME OF CHRIST, YOU ARE BLESSED, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. (16) Yet if anyone SUFFERS AS A CHRISTIAN, let him not be ashamed, but let him GLORIFY GOD IN THAT NAME." ( 1 Peter 4:13-16 ESV)

May we let life be all about the Lord; impressing Him and glorifying Him, even if it means we will suffer for it. In that we will be eternally blessed.

Have a great day IMPRESSED ENOUGH WITH CHRIST TO LIVE FOR HIM!
Carl

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