Christians, beware! You are being targeted for extermination! Or, at the very least, for suppression! Your faith is not important! Your convictions are silly and narrow-minded! Your voice is not wanted! Your silence and your acquiescence are expected and being demanded! So, what will you do?
It is hard to fathom “Christian persecution” coming to America, but it is here and it is gaining momentum and support. Just as in the days of the early church, it is starting with “threats” (Acts 4:17) and with a demand for “silence” (Acts 4:18; 5:40). But, it should not surprise us if in the near future, like in the days of the early church, this leads to a more forceful and violent restraint. So, what will you do?
Peter’s first letter in the New Testament was written to Christians who were enduring persecution for the cause of Christ. Read this letter and think about it being written to you today, from God, to exhort you to godly living and fidelity to Christ. As you read it, meditate on this thought: “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (3:17). How can “suffering” be characterized as “better”? What makes it “better”?
It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil because “good” exposes “evil”! The word “for” at the beginning of verse 17 ties it back to verse 16. Even “honest” persecutors can see the difference between their own lifestyle and that of the Christian they are persecuting. The Lord says that such can lead them to “be ashamed.” That’s “better”!
It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil because that follows the example of our Savior! The word “for” at the beginning of verse 18 ties it back to verse 17. Persecuted Christians should find relief and joy in knowing that “Christ also suffered once for sins” (our sins), “that He might bring us to God.” That’s “better”!
It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, “if it is the will of God”! The phrase “the will of God” is found four times in First Peter. Remember, this book was written to Christians being persecuted, and within these words, Peter places an emphasis on “the will of God.” What can we learn?
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (2:15). That’s “better”! “He who has suffered in the flesh…no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (4:2). That’s “better”! “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good” (4:19). That’s better!
Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil! Let us commit our souls to Him in doing good!