But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name. 1 Peter 4:16 AMPC
The Context and Charge:
Peter writes these words, and from what we have read and learnt from his wife, from a place of personal experience. For all of Jesus' disciples, as soon as the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost, all of them went through both personal and public experiences. At least, Jesus warned them ahead of time that their decision to follow Him would come at a cost to them, but for all who stayed on, the benefits were worth it. That is the focus I must have as life happens to me: I have been informed ahead of time that suffering is a part of the faith package; would I surrender my life to the process or would I resist?
In submission lies the full release of all that God has in store for me. Peter knew from personal experience that suffering as a Christian has both earthly and eternal joy. Remember, this is the one place where the end of the experiences has already been determined. This is not one of those uncertain things. We have the sure word of God that assures us that if we indeed endure all that this earthly life throws at us, we will enjoy all that heaven has prepared for us. As always, there is the element of choice; God does not force me to submit. I must do that of my own freewill? What is my decision then?
The Contention and Conclusion:
The world will define being a Christian as derogatory, but then, the world can mock whatever it does not understand or cannot explain. For those who know the value of the faith they hold, they are not moved by the mockery. Each gives what it has; the world can only give you temporary earthly provisions; it cannot secure eternity with God for us because it does not have it. Being a Christian is to have the hope of eternal life with God, because God has staked his name and integrity on the guarantee of life with Him when this earthly phase is over. For all I know, God keeps his Word.
I look forward to all that is ahead. I give God glory that I have been counted worthy to bear His name. I rejoice that because of his name in me, I have been found worthy to experience some of the things he also experienced while he was on earth. At least, in the English language, you cannot spell or define a Christian without the mention of the One who makes it all possible: Christ. He is the One I must keep my gaze on. He is the One who supplies peace and joy that the world cannot understand, explain or limit. There is no shame for someone who has already secured eternal life with God. God's time of favour is here.
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