1 Peter 2:18-25 (Conduct Above our Circimstances: Part 2)

"Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. ²⁰ But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. ²¹ To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  ²² “He committed no sin,
   and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
 ²³ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ²⁴ He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. ²⁵ For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

The first word in this passage is "slave," but if you look at different versions, some of the translations say "servant."  Indentured servants were very common in this day, so though you may not be someone's slave or indentured servant, I would say that it's fair to equate this passage with, like yesterday's, your job and work environment.

So whether it's something at work, at home, with friends, at church, or anywhere you may find yourself, remember this from today's scripture: "For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God...if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." 

Are people at work teasing you about being a Christian or a goodie-goodie?  That is commendable to God.  Is your family angry at you for turning away from their beliefs and calling you weak?  Continue to bear up...that's commendable to God.  In our plush, American society, it seems odd to us that we would "suffer" much because of our faith because we have Freedom of Religion; yet, now more than ever, I'm beginning to see, in my own life, where other religions are acceptable because we don't want to offend anyone, but the Christian view-point, well, that's just too narrow.  But do you know what else is narrow?  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matt. 7:13-14).  The journey to salvation and eternal life...FEW will find it.  According to a Barna poll, MOST people believe they will be going to Heaven, and yet, that's not what the Bible teaches.  Therefore, it is so important that we continue to live out our lives, even in suffering and persecution, so that people will continue to have opportunities to know Christ.


Suffering is part of what God has called us to when we decided to follow Christ, the One who suffered greatly for us.  He is our leader, our example.  I count it an honor to follow in His steps, though it is never easy.  He didn't retaliate.  He didn't threaten to get even when He was wronged.  He left His case in the hands of God, knowing that God always judges fairly.  He is the Shepherd, Overseer, and Guardian of our souls.  We can trust Him, knowing all His ways are good.  He will take care of you.


So what do we do in the midst of these sufferings?  Scripture says that we should "bear up under the pain of unjust suffering."  I picture me, trying to carry a queen-sized mattress on my back (I don't know why that picture comes to mind, but I just know that would be hard and awkward to do).  "Bear up" means "to hold up; support."  Get your footing firm in the Lord during your suffering.  Know Whose you are, and why you do what you do.  And I don't see "bear up" and think "brief," but rather we're bearing up for the long haul, with continued patience in our circumstances and resistance to the evil one.  May I remind you?  This is not our Home.  We are promised pain, suffering, and hardship this side of Heaven, so don't be surprised if you are "bearing up" for a while.  But the joy in it is what God will do in and through you as you allow Him to work amidst your circumstances.


Bear up, my brothers and sisters.  And remember that you never walk alone.