ARE OUR SUFFERINGS FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST?
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Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18 –
What does it mean for a Christian to suffer? Is it inherent to our Christian walk?
The idea of suffering is not something we care to undergo. As humans, our nature avoids it at all costs. Yet as followers of Christ, we may find it to be unavoidable… if it is for the cause of Christ.
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:9-11
Our God is good… and He only wants the best for us. Once we understand this key attribute of God, we will see that He does not send suffering our way. God may need to discipline us when we go astray. Yet His discipline will be that of a loving Father for His children.
We live in a fallen world where sin and evil abound. Our sins may bring consequences. This fallen world may bring grief. Yet this kind of suffering is not from God … and it is different from that endured for the cause of Christ.
Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me. – Luke 9:23
Jesus explains to his disciples their unique calling… a call to be set apart from the world and united unto Him. He endured suffering throughout His time on earth. Yet it was all done for love… love for all people. He laid down His life to save ours.
The apostle Paul endured suffering throughout his time of ministry. His suffering was for the gospel. He relentlessly pursued the cause of Christ out of love for his Savior and for the unbelieving world.
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. – Romans 8:17
Jesus has set us apart from the world, apart from sin and evil. He asks us to give up our lives for Him. Our love for our Lord causes us to want to cast aside our worldly ways and follow Him. The cross He asks of us is our uniting with Him… in His suffering and in His eternal glory. There cannot be one without the other.
You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. – John 15:19
When we stand for Christ in this world, we will endure persecution. We may not be a missionary on the front lines in the battle for the gospel. Yet we will find that our joining with Christ puts us at odds with society and worldly people.
Our sufferings will come from the enemies of Christ. The world will hate us because of our belief. We may encounter ridicule, hostility, intimidation and rejection from unbelievers. We may face estrangement from friends and family. Yet we are chosen by Christ. There is no greater privilege!
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. – 2 Corinthians 4:17
If our sufferings are for the cause of Christ, out of love for our Savior, they will lead to God’s glory. As we persevere, our faith in Jesus and our love for Him deepens. He promises us eternal glory in His holy presence… and the reward of the crown of life everlasting. What a triumph of faith!
† Eternal Takeaway – As disciples, our present sufferings for Christ will gain eternal glory †
