by Elder Johnny Kim

For the last quarter of the Single Life Ministry term, we had the privilege of walking through (or more like running through!) the book of 1 Peter. The Apostle Peter wrote the epistle toward the end of his life, addressing it to the Christians who found themselves dispersed throughout the empire of Rome (1 Peter 1:1). From the beginning of his letter to the end, Peter makes it unmistakably clear that the focus and major theme of what he wanted to impart to those Christians was the idea of suffering for the sake of following Christ (1 Peter 1:6). As in any personal letter written with specific recipients and readers in mind, Peter appropriately broaches the topic of suffering, understanding that the Christians in Rome at the time were experiencing persecution at the hands to of the Roman Emperor Nero and the citizens of Rome.

Fast forward to our lives today in the city of sunny San Diego and the idea of being persecuted for our faith couldn’t seem any more foreign, alien, or out of place. In fact, an honest self-assessment will inevitably reveal that we are naturally predisposed to avoiding pain and suffering in our lives. But while we might seek to dodge even discomfort in the course of our daily routine, the danger lies in the fact that this self-preserving attitude often pervades our spiritual lives. In an effort to try and avoid possible humiliation and rejection, we might find ourselves unwilling to share the Gospel message. In an effort to try and avoid possible financial insecurity and instability, we might find ourselves withholding giving to the church and giving our offering to God. In an effort to try and avoid uncertainty and inconvenience, we might not give even the slightest thought to planting a church. In an effort to try and avoid being ridiculed and despised, we might not be willing to stand up so boldly for Christ and His commands.

But for the one who seeks to genuinely follow Christ and on His terms, suffering isn’t something to be avoided, but rather is something to be expected (Matthew 10:24-28). The truth is we live in a country and society that is increasing in its secularism, growing in its hostility towards God and those who would submit to Him, and departing further and further away from Biblical principles. Enemies of the Gospel and the unbelievers around us will eventually be a cause of suffering and persecution in our lives, if not already. Furthermore, Peter reminds Christians that we live in a fallen world that is administered, occupied, and influenced by Satan and his demons who actively seek to bring about the suffering and destruction of believers (1 Peter 5:8). Suffering is a part of the Christian life, as is intended by God, and to deny that truth is to deny His plan and purposes (1 Peter 4:12-14).

The Christians in Rome who read 1 Peter firsthand faced increasing persecution that would escalate to include death by crucifixion, being torn apart by lions, and being lit on fire to serve as human lamps in Emperor Nero’s garden. While none of us undoubtedly may be able to claim the presence of such suffering in our lives, we Christians are still called to action in response to what we read in 1 Peter today. First of all, let us thank God for His grace and mercy to withhold from us suffering for at least this current moment in our lives. Then, in this current moment that we do have, let us prepare for the suffering that is to come. Let us prepare so that circumstances will one day find us ready and joyful to suffer well and suffer excellently for the sake of following Christ.