Philippians 1:27-30 NIV
[27] Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. [29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, [30] since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Paul encouraged the disciples of Jesus to be unified, as they stood “side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” How sad that much time and effort are lost in some churches by fighting against one another instead of uniting against the real opposition! It takes a courageous church to resist infighting and to maintain the common purpose of serving Christ.
Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. We do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Yet when we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example affect us and others for good
Acts 5:40-42 NIV
[40] They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [41] The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. [42] Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Suffering has these additional benefits:
(1) It takes our eyes off of earthly comforts
(2) It weeds out superficial false Christians
(3) It strengthens the faith of those who endure;
(4) It serves as an example to others who may follow us.
When we suffer for our faith, it doesn’t mean that we have done something wrong. In fact, the opposite is often true—it verifies that we have been faithful. Use suffering to build your character. Don’t resent it or let it tear you down.
Stay Spiritually minded in seeking 1st God’s Kingdom otherwise, you will only see problems, not God!
Keep running the race marked out for you!