“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.” 1 Peter 4:1 NLT
Supporting and taking a stand for a political candidate in a divided nation comes with harassing you by name calling, accusing you of not having a mind of your own, and associating you with every statement that candidate makes whether you agree with it or not. All candidates for any public office have flaws as we all do as we are all sinners. That shouldn’t stop us from exercising the privilege we have to cast a ballet in an election year. Unfortunately taking some hits in supporting a candidate is a sad commentary of the times. Presidential elections in America have revealed the true sentiment against those who hold a different view, both between the candidates and between neighbors. This may be a preview of the increasing hostility towards Christians in the coming days.
The apostle Peter tells us if we are following Jesus and living for Him, we will suffer. Gradually, if you are living for Christ, your desires will continually change drawing yourself away from the world and closer to Christ and His heavenly kingdom. “You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.” (1Pt.4:2 nlt) It will become more difficult to find things in common with those you associate with as your Biblical worldview with clash with their secular worldview. We are not to disengage with those outside of Christ but realize there will be increasing friction more than being blocked from their social media pages. Living for Christ and standing up for the truth of God’s Word has not been easy the last few years and will grow into a bigger challenge in the years ahead. Is the church ready for the challenge? Are you ready for the challenge?
Christians do not need to worry about the name calling or having others think we have lost our minds. People in Jesus’ day said the same thing about Him. And we do not need to be concerned about being associated with Jesus’ words. He speaks the truth and only the truth. The fact checkers only need to search the Word of God. But there is a ‘but’ here. Peter says, “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.” (1Pt.4:1a nlt) Christians in America are under scrutiny for our beliefs and standing up for God and His Word. We have been spared physical persecution by the grace of God up until now but will be ready when the persecution begins. To live for Christ means to suffer for Christ. Are you ready for the challenge?
Read: 1 Peter 4:1-9 NLT – Living for God – So then, since Christ – Bible Gateway
Word for the Soul 