LIVING WITH PERSECUTION. 1st Peter 3:13-14 . Generally speaking, no one harms those who follow good and do good for others, and yet the enemies of the Gospel sometimes harm those who are faithful to the word of the Gospel. Peter gave instructions on how to act and think when persecution comes, even though suffering is not the normal expectation for law-abiding, peace-seeking believers.
Goodness is honored by almost everyone, but there are likely to be exceptions, even among Christians who seek to further the Gospel in places where it hasn’t been preached. Even then, if suffering, persecution, and opposition occur, it is still important to do the right thing. Generally, if a servant of the Lord is enthusiastic about doing good for others, they are not seriously harmed. If harm still occurs, blessings come from God.
Believers who want to please the Lord, and who are law-abiding, hard-working people who love peace and want others to enjoy the blessings of God’s salvation, will normally gain a grudging respect from those who appreciate what is right. The worst that can come to a child of God will not bring eternal harm, no matter what. Many martyrs have accepted serious suffering and death, and have counted it an honor to be associated with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Suffering for “the Lord’s name’s sake” can be a reason for God to bless one of His children. Honor given to Him through suffering rises above most other means of honoring our Lord, and it certainly excels any kind of honor or acceptance by those who do not know or love the Lord Jesus Christ.
God has a special reward for such people who do not fear threats or intimidation. The blessing of suffering for Christ is a direct result of doing good.
A believer in Christ is being watched by eyes runny and reddened by drink, trying to see if there is some mistake you will make that will ease their conscience even as they take a drink: “He’s a Christian, let’s just see what he does!” The job is difficult, and many are tired; the boss pushes hard because he doesn’t want to be fired. He knows there is one among them whose work is inspired by love for Christ: “He’s a Christian, let’s see what he does!”
The heads are bent low; students are taking a test. One has prepared for a long time, and she is doing her best. She’s not cheating; she is different from some of the rest of the students. “She’s a Christian, watch what she does!” We have nothing to fear when we do what is right. We are under observation by day and by night. People expect us to be different, who “walk in the light”; “We are Christians, be wise in all we do!” Others look for excuses to do what they know is wrong. They look for failures in Christians, which can lead to compromise. But they cannot harm you when, for Christ, you stand strong: “We are Christians, and God knows what we do!”
The quotation from Isaiah 8, “Neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread,” offers a way to deal with intimidation. The Lord Jesus encouraged his disciples not to be afraid when he was gone from them in body: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
God may allow saints to suffer for his own glory. He often uses the suffering of believers as a testimony, a means of blessing, and an example to others. Some Christians who suffer testify that what they endured was a blessing to them personally.
When all the friends at school hear you come near, they look at you and stop talking. As you get closer, they turn and walk away because you said “No” when they said “Yes.” In the lunchroom, the employees are taking a break. Stories are being told, and some want to see your reaction. When you excuse yourself, you sense hate in them because you left when others stayed. The family all wanted to spend a weekend away from all pressures so they could unwind. They became upset when you stayed behind because you “remembered Him” and they “remembered us.”
There will always be choices for which you must suffer. If it is not for one thing, it is bound to be for another. But we can be happy when we do the will of our heavenly Father, because doing God’s will is more important than mine. When the tendency in me is to fear or worry, let me see above all the “goings on” and see Him who is my delight. I am indeed happy when I know sweet fellowship with Thee, in spite of the fear and trouble of suffering for “righteousness’ sake.”