SUFFERING FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (I Peter 4:14-16)

There is a vast difference in suffering the “fiery trial” of testing in the refiner’s fire to be made more pure and holy, than suffering because of the foolish actions of the flesh. One is honorable, the other is shameful.

When we suffer in the will of God, it purifies us; it is a testimony to the world around us and to the people of God, who serve with us. It also brings a glorious reward, as we “count it all joy.” By contrast, suffering for one’s own foolish actions is shameful for a child of God. He brings reproach to His Savor, whose name he bears and causes the enemies of God to blaspheme. God forbid that we, who are blood-washed and heaven-bound, dishonor our Savior so.

Trusting His grace,

Pastor Ed Bowen

August 21, 2011