What? Suffering? Suffering for the Gospel? How can something that’s such good news (the Gospel) contain something so awful (suffering)? Why don’t we just move the focus somewhere else? Can we find a happier topic? Well…since it’s right here in front of us, let’s pause a few moments and try to consider the meaning of these words. I guess it’s not very mature or honest to just pass over concepts or issues in the Word just because they are unattractive or difficult to grasp. To be sure, suffering is not very attractive to anyone.
So what does it mean to “suffer for the gospel?” Maybe we’ll be able to ask Paul at some point in our future. But for now, we can only exercise our own judgment along with all the other data being presented. I wish I could dialogue with you personally and hear your thoughts on the matter. For me, I can’t believe God is sadistic about the matter of suffering—and would wish us to be like the moron who intentionally smashes his finger with a hammer just to see if he can stand it. I believe that a vital form of suffering is resident within every great and noble achievement. You can be sure that every athlete who participates in the Olympic Games has intentionally subjected himself to the suffering required to compete at that level and win. As they say, “No pain—no gain.” Be reminded that all of us, as true believers, have the opportunity to achieve a far greater prize than any Olympic medal—and to stand on the podium of Glory to receive the crown of eternal life. Furthermore, suffering, without doubt, is the most effective means by which character is developed—and by which the great lessons of life are learned. God knows that. We are wise to agree.
I believe our getting this concept right is rooted in our need for developing a solid belief that creates a sense of priority. If I really believe that “there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun,” if I really believe that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” then I will be obligated and disciplined at bringing all the stuff of my life into conformity and submission to that highest priority. The result? Suffering! It’s inevitable. It’s expected. Jesus made that clear. Paul made it clear. Peter made it clear. James made it clear. So, if this was clear to all these great role models of our faith, why would I resist having it made clear to me?—to my own unstable heart? The views, values, and objectives of the “narrow gate and straight way” are clearly diametrically opposed to those who walk the “wide gate and the broad way.” “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (suffer)” (2 Timothy 3:12).
In the event that I observe in me any notion that the highest good of my existence is just hanging out, having a good time, and protecting my comfort zone, I will do well to examine whether or not I am really and truly a participant in the Biblical Gospel—or just a spectator.