Suffering to Glory

1 Peter 4:12-16 

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.

Being a follower of Christ means we will suffer in some measure; it certainly does not mean a life of ease, filled with prosperity and easy living.  Peter describes it as a trial by fire, like a smelting of metals that proves its purity as the dross is removed under fire.  This is not an unusual occurrence for those of Christ, just as it was not unusual for Him to suffer for us nor for the disciples since then.  We need to find the joy in suffering which identifies us with Him and in Him.  When Jesus returns we will have honored Him by these things as we suffer for Him to His glory.  Therefore when we are insulted and demeaned for being Christians, we should not retaliate or seek to legislate, but endure with great joy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41, Philippians 1:29, 1 Timothy 4:10) as He suffered for us to justify by mercy and grace.  His Spirit is in is, and so we are attacked for Him whom the world hates (John 15:18-19, 1 John 3:13) and blasphemes.  What are we to do then?  Live as He did, not against the Law, but willingly and joyfully with it in righteous actions and thoughts.  We must not only run from severe crimes such as murder or stealing, but also in the seemingly small ones like gossip or slanderous words and thoughts.  He looks at our hearts, and what is on them comes out to (Matthew 15:11) defame is and therefore also His name by which we are called.  But when we suffer, let it be for Christ in us displayed to the world set against Him, without shame but with joyful glory given to Christ in us and through us!  We suffer to share in His glory.