What do you suffer for?
“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”(NIV) 1 Peter 4:15-16
Suffering is part of human life. However, we can suffer for either the good or the bad reasons. Many in this world are suffering for the wrong reasons. Not too long ago, the biggest exposé hit the nation Ghana, West Africa. Some judges were alleged to have taken bribes which influenced their judgements. If found guilty, they will suffer the consequences but even before they are found guilty, they suffer ridicule from the general public because the public has seen the video evidence. There were also judges that were praised by the investigative journalist (Anas Aremeyaw Anas) because they refused the bribe. Such judges we are all proud of.
I realized that to suffer for the wrong reasons means to suffer twice if we do not repent before we die. Thus, there is the earthly suffering and the eternal suffering. For instance, a thief who is caught by an angry mob and unfortunately lynched to death has suffered his earthly punishment and the eternal suffering also awaits him. However, to suffer discrimination at your work place because you refuse to be part of a corrupt deal will just be your earthly suffering but you will gain eternal reward if you continue in the teachings of our Lord.
There are many examples of people who suffered for the wrong reason in the bible. They include Adam and Eve who were driven out of the garden because of disobedience (Genesis 3), the people in the days of Noah perished because of disobedience (Genesis 7), the two robbers crucified along with Jesus (Matthew 27:38), Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5), Judas betrayal of Christ ( Matthew 27:3-5) and the list goes on and on.
I am glad to also give examples of people who suffered for the good course of God. Our Lord Jesus is the perfect example. He came down to our level though He was God, to die for our sins (John 1, Matthew 27). The apostles and many disciples were persecuted because of the gospel (Acts 12, Acts 7:51-59, Acts 16:19-30).
Suffering for Christ here on earth is the price we must pay for being different from the world. It is indeed a good price to pay, looking at the big reward of heavenly glory someday. Suffer not for the wrong reason but for the good reason of advancing the course of Christ. God bless you!