if you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [1 peter 4:14]
this text is an easy one to get behind in theory, but much harder to live out in real life.
earlier in this chapter, peter tells the reader that the time we’ve previously spent living in the world is plenty, and now as believers it’s time to live for the will of God (v. 2-3). he then lays out some examples of things the world thinks are good and beneficial, and reminds the reader that the world will be surprised when believers do not join in and will malign them for not participating (v. 4-5).
we talk about love with regards to the 5 core values of matthias lot. all people are looking for love above almost anything else. we just want to belong, fit in, and feel safe. when someone notices that you don’t participate in something the world has to offer and points it out, we feel anything but safe. this forces us to make a decision: stand on God’s word or acquiesce to the world around us.
the enemy knows our desire to fit in and loves to use this as a weapon against us.
1 peter 5:8 reminds us that the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.”
he’s active, vicious, and out to kill.
because we already have God’s word, we already know the devil’s tactics. we can go on the offensive. we can encourage and be encouraged by those with us in community. we can spend time with the Lord being reminded that he suffered just as we do, so he understands us. and we can be reminded that the battle is already won and our eternity is secure, so our identity cannot be shaken by what the world says.
that being said, we can’t fight this battle on our own strength or we’ll give into sin. i know that’s my own experience.
Jesus says this about the end times in matthew 24:9-10: “then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. and then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.”
Jesus was gracious enough to tell us what’s coming. today we have a choice to make:
stand firm and press into the power of the Holy Spirit, or acquiesce to the world.
God, sustain us today. give us the strength we need to stand firm on your word. help us to live lives worthy of being insulted for your name’s sake.
amen.
~ john sandman