“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21)
TEXT — 1 Peter 2:18-25
Message
Many people consider suffering or outright injustice as punishment from God. They condemn themselves, thinking that they must have committed an unknown offence, for which God is punishing them. Some wallow in self-pity, believing that they are so unfortunate to face such experiences. And yet, others become disconsolate, distressed and depressed. But it is not all suffering that is the result of an offence. Sometimes, God allows it to test our faith and strengthen our character.
This is the kernel of Apostle Peter’s admonition to Christians everywhere. He says that because we are in the world with its corrupted and evil tendencies, we might on occasions, suffer in the hands of wicked people. Such people could be our employers who are not believers in Christ. Irrespective of whether they are considerate or harsh towards us, we must respect them. If they punish us wrongfully, we must gladly bear it as a testimony to the grace of God in us. This is more meaningful and acceptable to God, than when we suffer for our foolishness, failures and faults.
In fact, this was the example our Lord Jesus Christ handed us, suffering for sins He did not commit, and ultimately paying the supreme price with His life for the salvation of humanity, without complaints or hesitation. He committed no sin and was truly faultless. He did not retaliate against those that maltreated Him. He submitted Himself to the most excruciating death on the cross, so we would be reconciled to God, and live in righteousness. We who were like lost sheep, found our way back to God because of the sacrifice of Christ.
The Lord is calling us to be loyal, respectful and steadfast in faith when we suffer unjustly in the hands of our employers or other people of authority, even if they are not Christians. We should expect to be misunderstood, maltreated and humiliated when we walk in the steps of Jesus Christ. Rather than consider it strange, we should rejoice as our suffering in the faith brings glory to God. It encourages other believers to persevere in following the Lord, and inspires non-believers to turn from their sinful lifestyle, and embrace Christ.
Thought for the day
An accurate reading of a person’s character is obtained in challenging situations
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
