Think Eternal - Choose Wisely

by David Shannon

Seeing things as they really are is important. Peter writes to Christians who will undergo terrible persecution helping them to see the whole picture. Their persecution might have ended with them denying the faith, but if not, then being burned at the stake. The choice was theirs. At a glance it would appear that one of the options... "denial of the faith" - would be a way to avoid suffering. Peter writes a clear explanation to Satan's foggy temptation of denial.

1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Judgment has begun (verse 17). Not the final day of judgment, but the dividing of the faithful and unfaithful which always begins during persecution. At what price will you sell out your faith? When all your peers, and co-workers are staring, miffed, mocking or gossiping, will you conform to their pressures? You declare the pain and pressure are too great. You say to yourself, "God would never want me to be so embarrassed and separated from others." But that isn't true.

• The truth is God would say, "Don't think what you are going through is odd many have experienced it (vr 13).


• The truth is God is resting upon you and blessing you (vr 14).


• The truth is you have nothing to be ashamed of if you are suffering as a Christian (vr 16).


• The truth is this is an opportunity for you to choose sides "obey the Gospel or not (vr 17).


• The truth is you may feel like you don't have the spiritual backbone to make it through that moment of pressure, but remember this; "Where will the ungodly and sinner appear?" You are tempted to avoid a temporal suffering of persecution, but the end will be eternal suffering (vr 18). Hebrews 10:30 says, "For we know Him who said, �Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, The LORD will judge His people. (vr 31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."


• Now the truth is clear. In suffering we prove our commitment to God - our faithful Creator (vr 19).

• God's Way or Man's Way -Nov 25, 2007
• Making Choices -Jul 10, 2005
• Choices -Oct 28, 2001