A Privilege to Suffer

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"For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer…" - (Phil. 1:29, NASB)

   I do not have many pet-peeves when it comes to Christianity. I have learned (and continue to learn) that there are things that Christians across various lines can disagree on, and yet still be one body. However, the issue of prosperity is one that has attached itself to the church and, like cancer, brings deteriorating spiritual health. The Bible never says that Christians will be millionaires who are physically healthy 100% of the time, and never have a flat tire. I am sorry if you have believed that message, but that is far from truth. One of my undergrad professors said that if prosperity theology was Biblical truth, then the message could be taken to third-world nations and the countries would be become financially prosperous. If it is truth, then it will work anywhere and everywhere!
   Now look at what Paul said, "to you it has been granted…to suffer." We do not think about, talk about, or preach about suffering. Suffering is not politically correct. We are supposed to let people know how much God will bless them once they have accepted Him as Savior. If we tell them that they may suffer, then they might not come to Jesus in the first place. Suffering is part of being a Christian. We cannot live in "light" and think that the "darkness" will stand by and applaud. Foxes Book of Martyrs should be required reading for every Christian. Although we are not yet at the place in America that our lives are in jeopardy for acknowledging Christ, it may not be far away. Even then, any suffering that we do encounter will likely be nothing like our brothers and sisters in Sudan, China, Russian, and other parts of the world that truly is anti-Christ. 
   The Gospel that was preached in the NT is in jeopardy. William Booth once said, "I am of the opinion that the dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianity without Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation without regeneration; politics without God; and heaven without hell." That is us folks!  Paul said, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12, NKJV) The message of prosperity does not work too well with the message of suffering. There is nothing wrong with wealth and possessions. In and of themselves, they are resources that can be used for good or evil. However, the pursuit of these, viewing God more as "Aladdin's Genie," is deluding and dangerous. Paul counted it a privilege to suffer. Can we do that?

Spiritual blessings to you!


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