As a believer we hear this scripture come to life every single day. We are always told to strive to become Christ-like and live a life that is fulfilling to Christ. We are often told how to become like him and ultimately how to be an awesome person. I mean the man is genius no wonder we are to strive to be like him! Setting our goals to reach his sets us up for a better direction and purpose for everything to come. The process of setting these goals are sometimes twisted in this world we live in but never forget the true meaning.
The other day I caught myself drawn to 1 Peter 4 which is just loaded with what it means to actually LIVE for Christ. It was such a refresher to read as well and not to mention I wrote down awesome points to live by. Let's read the passage below before we jump into the amazement of Christ!
"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good."
It brings me to life at how real this message is! To arm ourselves through the attitude Christ had WHILE suffering is a whole new way to suffer! Try to think back to times of your greatest suffering and think how you reacted. Did you arm yourself like God did? Or did the worldly you handle it? When we only arm ourselves with God and his attitude then the only thing we leave ourselves to be anxious about is to do the will of God. Doesn't that sound so much easier than taking the world along with Jesus? One of the most simple things that stuck out to me that isn't thought of this way a lot. The word of God was preached to the dead so they could be alive through Christ. We are to be totally dead so that we can only be alive in Christ...only him. Im sure you all know how life God when you try to squeeze Christ in.
I was told a story about a preacher that preached about always putting God first. He illustrated this sermon with a jar of beans and some medium sized stones. The beans are to represent everything in our life...our job, school, activities, friends, anything that is of this world. And the stones represent Christ and our relationship with him. If you start out with the jar of beans and try to fit the stones in, not all of them fit in. This is when he dumped all of the beans out and placed all of the stones in but then poured the beans on top to fit all of the beans plus the stones all into one jar. To put God first doesn't mean that we don't have anymore room for the things we love to do. It is simply putting him first but having the other things come later which is most of the time better than the usual.
Above all we are to use God's words, strength, and energy. But yeah your right...why should we take all of that from him, that's not right! When you take it to bring him the glory...its more than okay, he wants you to take and use it! One last main point of this passage is being ridiculed for your faith. Isn't it amazing how God calls us to be joyous about being ridiculed!? This is a chance for others to see that yeah you are a strong believer and that is never anything to be ashamed of! We need to let that boost us up so that we realize how much God truly is on our side.
Word of the Day: "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts."
~1 Peter 4:10
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