I’ve been doing a study of the first letter of the Apostle Peter, written to the scattered crowds of followers throughout the Mediterranean World. The writing has been masterful and yet a bit on the overwhelming side. Again and again, he calls for the disciples of Christ, the called out ones, the followers, or, as we would say it today, the Church, to pursue or accept suffering.
It is an odd concept in our world where we eagerly pursue anything that can, we hope, make our life easier or better. Heck, this is why many of us waste far too much time on television. We hope, somehow, vicariously, our lives will get easier or better through an association with the TV show and its stars.
Yet, here, again and again Peter calls his readers to expect, accept and perhaps even enjoy suffering. As I go through, I am caught by the depth of his logic and begin to wonder if I am missing something in how I live my life.
To start with, Peter makes the strong connection between the goal of the Christian (to become like Christ) and the fact that Jesus himself suffered. Jesus, of course, had already alluded to this when he was with Peter and the others when he told them that if the people mistreat and hate the master, certainly they would also mistreat and hate the servants or followers. Seven different times Peter reminds his readers that Jesus suffered and in 4:1 lays out exactly what Jesus said—”4:1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.”
Peter makes the point that Jesus suffered for a reason, or really several reasons: suffering is part of the salvation event (1:11); to be an example to us (2:21); to show us how to trust God (2:23); to show us to NOT retaliate (2:23); to heal us through his wounds (2:24); and to bring us safely home (3:18).
Peter further explains why we suffer: to purify our faith (1:7); to test our faith (1:7); to please God (2:20); because God calls us to suffering (2:21); to gain a reward (3:14); to help us become partners with Christ (4:13); to gain the Spirit of God (4:14); to gain the privilege of being called by God’s name (4:16) and because its God’s will for us (4:19).
Now all of this might start sounding a bit morbid. I mean, ok Jesus suffered and there are some reasons why suffering comes, but to be happy about it? That seems a bit much to swallow. Yet Peter isn’t finished. As hinted in 3:14, there is something of a reward in this. Of course the great reward of heaven awaits those who believe, but Peter tells us of a series of great things that come to us because of suffering.
Or, to put it another way, if we aren’t in the midst of suffering or living lives that attract the attention of our enemy, then there are some very important things that are missing.
Suffering, then, gains us the following: stronger faith (1:7); praise (1:7); honor (1:7); glory (1:7); God’s pleasure (2:19); a good reputation [as long as you are suffering for doing good or God’s will] (3:16); the attitude to stop sinning (4:1); partnership with Christ (4:13); the chance to share in the glory of Jesus (4:13); the glorious Spirit of God (4:14); the privilege to be called by God’s name (4:16); and after we suffer, the promise of restoration, support and strength (5:10).
These are really good things and if we are someone who claims to be a Christian, that last paragraph should grab our attention. So many things jump out at me; for instance, how often have you been frustrated over your lack of victory in an area of sin? Well, according to Peter, one key element you need to stop sinning is the pursuit or willingness of suffering. Or, ever wondered about your reputation? Perhaps there is no suffering for doing good in your life.
Last thoughts—suffering is no picnic. Peter makes that clear. He makes the point that suffering is painful. He calls it fiery. He also states that it will be unfair. One would think we’d all understand that instinctively, yet how often, upon starting some kind of suffering, do we cry “unfair.” Yet, Peter calmly reminds us that “. . .it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.” Of course, the clincher for him is that Jesus suffered, thus we will too.
I have some friends who are in the midst of some hard times. One single dad is struggling to make ends meet to feed his children while his erstwhile wife wanders about seeking satisfaction and ease. One friend struggles as a young adult to make ends meet as he learns the ropes of being an adult. One friend finds himself unsure of any path to travel and feels overwhelmed by the pressure from home. Another couple is trying to have children and, for now, not being successful. Another friend is caring for an ill parent and losing her own will to maintain sanity. On and on I could go and you could add your own thoughts here as well. Yet, rather than seeing these as an evil to endure, perhaps Peter is calling us to something different, more serene, more, well, shall we say divine in our approach.
I realize suffering is painful. I too bear those marks on my body and mind. Yet, in the end, the secret to walking through it unscathed is to recognize that this is the path to greater depth of soul and spirit. God is with us in those moments. We should happy, glad. Peter says it best (4:12-14)—”Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad – because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world. Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you.