Through the various trials and hardships of life, Christians are not exempt from becoming tired and weary. This is why it is important for Christians to maintain a proper perspective of life and stay focused on the realities of God’s kingdom.
This week we will refocus our attention on God’s truth so that we will be able to endure the hardships of life with joy and faith.
Live in the light of the end
The second coming of Jesus inevitably will happen. We do not know the exact date, but we are to live as though the end is near. That means being on guard, clear-minded and self-controlled so we can pray and maintain a close relationship to God. This prevents our hearts and minds from being focused on worldly things, but instead on things of true importance.
Hebrews 12:2, puts it this way: “… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
When times are difficult and emotional pain seems to never end, it is hard to stay focused on God and his kingdom. However, we can live above these things by focusing our thoughts on the Savior. Just as Christ denied himself and suffered for us, so we are to model him when difficulties come, denying many of our sinful and selfish desires and deciding to live in his will no matter how difficult the pain.
Endure suffering with joy
Just as Jesus suffered, we too will suffer in this world. In Romans 8:17, Paul wrote, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” This shows us that sharing the sufferings of Jesus actually are an honor. Knowing he went through similar hardships and trials in his life can comfort us.
We are to have the same attitude of God through suffering, knowing there will be an end to the pain. As we undergo hardships while maintaining godly conduct, we are a testimony of God to others.
We maintain godly conduct by praying, loving one another, offering hospitality and serving others with the gifts God has given each one. Each service is done with the purpose of showing God’s grace and love to others as though we were speaking and serving with God’s strength. We must be very careful that our service is not pointing to how great we are as people. Everything we do should point others to God so that they would know him more.
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Have you ever wondered how some people can be happy in spite of horrible situations? Why do some people get horribly down and depressed, and others seem to carry a smile and love others even when they are going through a difficult time?
It is often due to the difference in perspective that some can maintain joy and others cannot. God actually instructs believers to rejoice that they suffer if for the sake of Christ. Suffering for Christ’s sake is considered one of the greatest honors one can have, for 1 Peter 4:14 tells us that “the spirit of glory and of God rests on” those who suffer while carrying the name of Christ.
We are able to rejoice in hardships and suffering because we understand that our King suffered in this world and that by carrying his name in hard times we suffer with him and for him.
Prepare for God’s judgment
There is a natural consequence of suffering due to sin in our lives. Peter is not talking about suffering from our sin, he is describing times when we suffer as we follow Christ. It is not always culturally accepted to live the way God intends us to live.
The Bible assures us we will suffer at times for doing right and this is actually an honor to do so. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we decided to no longer live for ourselves but for him, so when trouble comes our way, we can keep this in mind: our lives are an offering to him, and through the ups and downs of life, we will see to it that his glorious name will be praised by our lips and the lips of those who see his love in us.
Being a Christian is not the easy route to take, but in faith, we believe it is the right one. We must constantly die to our selfish desires to follow him and live with integrity. This is an honorable journey.
Questions for reflection
• How have you experienced joy in the midst of hardships?
• How have you suffered for bearing Christ’s name?
• How is suffering for bearing Christ’s name differ than suffering because of our faults?
• What are some ways Christians are persecuted? How do Christians often persecute each other? How can we model Christ in these situations?
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