A CHRISTIAN. 1st Peter 4:16 The word "Christian" was first used in Antioch to describe disciples as a term of derision and persecution. They were learners of Christ, known among themselves as "brethren" or "saints." This is not a word of which we need to be embarrassed, but rather a title we can and should bear with dignity and honor. In the early days of the church, being a follower of Christ and being called a Christian were scornful terms. By the time the second generation of Christians was saved, the title had become a mark of honor.
The word has been demeaned in the world today because it is applied to all kinds of things, such as Christian schools, Christian religion, and Christian books and songs. Many who attend a Christian church, whether they are born again or not, consider themselves Christians. Being loyal to Christ in adversity and keeping up what is right according to the scriptures may bring some form of suffering, even from those who claim to be Christians.
At first, it was hard because the pressure was on to conform to what others thought was right. But it didn’t take long to realize that was wrong. When one is a Christian, they now become light. So, it is to be expected, not avoided or neglected, that to suffer as a Christian is the norm. Really, how can one living in sin even know how to begin to understand that a true Christian is born again?
Old things have passed away; all the things others say don’t affect my standing in Christ in the very least. When suffering comes as a Christian, we show God’s grace. To glorify God under pressure, maybe it’s not really a pleasure, but still, it means I am not ashamed as a Christian. But to suffer for doing wrong, when by the Spirit I’m made strong, gives the opposition every reason to lay blame. To glorify God is such a privilege, even to bear a Christ-like image, which makes living as a Christian a meaningful life. To represent a Holy God and to know that Jesus is my Lord makes Christian suffering about doing what is right.
It is not a cause for shame to suffer as a Christian. When the early disciples of Christ were persecuted for preaching the Gospel, and just for being Christians, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for being associated with the Lord Jesus Christ. They knew God approved of their work by the responses they received from those who were convicted of their sins, as well as from those who believed their message.
Christians do not try to prove anything by seeking ways to suffer, but when suffering comes from doing what is right, they keep on doing it. God is glorified by their patience, love, and faithfulness when they continue doing what He wants, even when they are persecuted for it. The people of the world may think that praying and witnessing in public are a disgrace and oppose them, but when God is glorified, it is a reason for praise to God.
Peter had been beaten for preaching the Gospel and criticized for taking it to the Gentiles, so he was not writing about an unfelt truth. To bear the name “Christians” is a great privilege, responsibility, and honor, but it is also solemn because we are identified with the supreme authority of the universe. “They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
Again, Peter affirms that suffering in itself is not a virtue, but the reason for suffering is what matters. To suffer for the Lord's sake and to suffer because one is a Christian is what counts. There is no shame in that, but rather a sense of honor in being someone who can bring glory to God.
When a stranger approaches a Christian lady who is dressed modestly, has a quiet, contented demeanor, and conducts herself with dignity, and asks, “Are you a Christian?”, that is a reason for praise to God. If a student in school does not go along with what most of the other students do, and is asked, “Why don’t you do what all of us do?” and replies, “I am a Christian and choose not to do those things,” that is glorifying to God and gives honor to the name and person of the Lord Jesus Christ.