Called to the Hard Path: Why Suffering Isn’t a Detour

[David]

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For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ~ 1 Peter 2:21​

People today love the idea of freedom but hate the idea of authority. We want our own way, our own path, and our own voice. Yet the Word of God cuts through that mindset. Peter says, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake” ~1 Peter 2:13. That command hits hard because it goes against our flesh. We don’t bow to authority because the system is perfect. We bow because Christ is Lord. Submission is not weakness. It is obedience.

Peter isn’t telling believers to approve of evil or ignore corruption. He is calling us to show the world what it looks like when a Christian chooses righteousness over rebellion. “For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” ~1 Peter 2:15. When your life is clean, your critics choke on their accusations. They can insult you, but they cannot refute a holy life.

This means we honor leaders even when we disagree. We show respect even when others mock. We act like people who belong to Christ, not to the world. Peter says, “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” ~1 Peter 2:17. Notice the order. We fear God first. Everything else flows from that.

Peter then speaks to servants who suffered under harsh masters. Today, we understand abusive workplaces, broken systems, and unfair treatment. God sees it all. But He calls His people to endure with their eyes on Him. “This is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully” ~1 Peter 2:19. Anyone can complain. Only a Spirit-filled believer can endure injustice without trading righteousness for anger.

Why does God call us to this kind of strength? Because we are following in the steps of Jesus. Christ suffered without doing anything wrong. He “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” ~1 Peter 2:22. He did not fight back. He did not threaten. He “committed himself to Him that judges righteously” ~1 Peter 2:23. That is our pattern. Not weakness. Not silence. Trust.

Jesus took the full weight of our sin on His own body. “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” ~1 Peter 2:24. That is the center of this entire passage. The One who had every right to defend Himself chose the cross instead. Because of His wounds, we have been healed. Because He died, we now live.

When you live this out, you aren’t trying to please people. You are showing the world the power of Christ in you. You are living like someone who has been rescued. “For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” ~1 Peter 2:25.

You don’t submit because you trust the world. You submit because you trust Him. And when you live that way, your life becomes a bold testimony that Christ is truly Lord.

The music for this post is here.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hello, David;

This is a well thought provoking article. It is true that submission is not weakness but obedience to our God.

These last few weeks have been a "management" of all things for my wife and me. We are moving back to our house just around the corner with 5 days to go, and it's still a lot of work.

We truly went in prayer to the Lord for everything. Most things worked out best for us and a few things didn't because I wanted them to turn out differently (my way.)

In one of the moving projects, I reached out a week ago to a core of Pastors in a group text. Not one Pastor replied, even to say, "no can do." It left me disappointed especially the times when I was there to help them. So I had to resign the "it's about me" attitude and give it to the Lord. I had to confess sudden hard feelings while He provided the solution yesterday.

Tomorrow we will take time to rest, cook the turkey and give thanks to the Lord and for our meal.

Friday the movers will come.

I get tired of learning lessons but that's just the way it is in submission and obedience to God. Question is, whom do I choose to serve in my home?

God bless you, David, and Happy Thanksgiving.