4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit."
More than any other struggle I have had repeatedly in my life with Christ, is an attitude of pride. Just this weekend, I was speaking with a friend who was telling me about how she partied heavily in high school, but when she became a Christian in college, she suddenly changed her ways, but then also started judging others for their continued partying. She described her thinking as "well, I've been convicted of ____, so others should also feel the same conviction." But she and I both know now that the Holy Spirit does not work on everyone in the same way and at the same time. That's part of what makes our relationship with Christ personal. He's working in you in a way that He's not working in someone else right now, for each individual's good. Yet, how easily do we think once we have "gotten" something that we are superior or better than others because we "get it" and they don't.
I think this same attitude would be easy to develop as we read this passage today. So, let us be sure that all of us are not without fault. Good grief, just this morning I have already had to ask God to forgive me of a poor attitude as well as other things! So without pointing blame, let's look at what the Word has for us today.
Verse 1, "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." Physical pain. It's not something we think of often in our society when it comes to our faith. But I have no doubt that it will come before Christ returns, and even to the United States. But in the meantime, while we may not suffer the physical tortures of being a Christian, I am sure you have still suffered. Regardless, our attitude toward pain on behalf of Jesus Christ should be a willingness. Some people, including myself at times, will do anything to avoid physical or emotional pain -- this is not good. Because once we know we have a willingness to suffer for Christ, we know we have decided to truly follow Him rather than our sinful nature. Do you want to know how much you truthfully love Christ? Ask yourself how much pain you would willingly endure for Him. There's your answer.
The result of this willingness to suffer may include small things, too. A willingness to suffer, also means a willingness to deny yourself comfort. Verses 2 and 3 say, "You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols." You're making difference choices than you used to. They aren't always the comfortable choices are they? I know that people enjoy getting drunk, or they wouldn't do it. That's the reality of it. Yet, one wild night of partying, and one might say they would've made different choices if they weren't drunk. It's not God's will for us to behave this way simply because it's not for our good. And worship of idols? Maybe not of gold like in Biblical times, but think about whatever that thing is that you have to have or need to be seen as. We are chasing our own desires rather than God's, which are ultimately for our good, our best. Surrender those parts of your life to Him!
"Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you" (verse 4). A surrender of your life to Christ will look different. You cannot be surrendered to Christ and in the driver's seat of your own life. There will be changes in your actions. And where there are, here comes the slander by people who you would consider friends. But that life was leading to your destruction! Don't let this surprise you.
"But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead." We will have to give an account of our actions. We are such here-and-now people aren't we? It's not as easy to live with an eternal perspective as it is to live in the now. But, if you can keep that in mind, one day you will face God and been seen as righteous. Our salvation comes from our belief in Jesus Christ, but our judgement will be based on how we lived our lives. It matters.
We all will give an account for how we lived. How genuine is our faith if we say that salvation is enough, and continue living as if we don't know Christ? The fruit produced from the Holy Spirit living within us should be "proof" that we are continually following the Lord and growing throughout our lives.
How do you know if Jesus is really living in you? You simply believe in your heart that He is Lord, and then admit your sins and ask Him to forgive your sins. Surrender control of your life to Him from this day forward. It's simple, but it's not easy. Life as a Christian is never an easy road, but I can tell you from experience that it is a life of fullness. If you have never asked Jesus to come and take control of your life, I beg you to do it today.
Then, tell someone. Tell me! Allow me to help get you connected and to begin growing in your relationship with Him. Christ wants us to do this in community. And what an exciting new beginning that would be for you! If you have not surrendered your life to Him, today is the day. He said, "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in."
Let Him into your life. Allow Him to change you.
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