“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4
I’m just going to answer that question in the title right away…
YES, of course I’ll care! I care even now…
I get all emotional and feel like I shrivel up whenever I hear people talk about the things I believe in, specifically when people talk badly about God and those who believe in God.
I mean, people have been and are killed for believing in God, in my country and others.
Whoa. Would I be willing to be killed for believing in God? Would I say ‘Yes, I believe in God’ when I have a gun to my face?
I can barely handle reading nasty anti-God comments on the internet.
I’d like to pretend that we won’t face any kind if suffering while on this earth, but just chapter 4 of 1 Peter alone tells a different story. This book in the Bible says “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.“
So we’re to expect trials to come our way. YIKES. I don’t like the sound of that one bit. Who would?
But my understanding is that we have to get to that point. We have to be wiling to be insulted for our principles and beliefs.
How do we get there? Does that faith, loyalty, and bravery happen over night?
I’d dare to say that no, it doesn’t.
We practice our faith every day, in the big things and in the little things.
How are you practicing your faith?
I want to end with this, this first verses of 1 Peter 4: Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
That’s how we practice our faith. We cease from sin. We cease from doing what we know is wrong, cease from breaking God’s precious law of liberty when we know better, cease from following the desires, customs, and lusts of a sinful world.
Stand up. Do what is right. Listen to God’s word and His voice.
And it’s possible.
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus.
The strife will not be long.
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil
A crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.”
A Heart for Heaven 