Have you ever been ostracized? Was it because of your faith? Have you been physically beaten because you were a follower of Jesus Christ? Do you know anyone who has? Would you consider it commendable if you suffered because of your faith?
Being ostracized, beaten, or suffering in any other way is not something we seek out. We prefer for things to go along smoothly. Most of us don’t like confrontation of any kind. We don’t want to be the one left out when others gather. We desire to feel like we belong.
Our human nature to seek belonging can get us into trouble. We can go along with people or situations that are not healthy for us or completely wrong for sole reason of wanting to feel like we belong. Unfortunately, doing so can get us into trouble. Rather than making things better, it can make things worse.
On the other hand, if we are mistreated because we are Christians, we are to consider it commendable. Not that we enjoy it. Quite the contrary. Our suffering is difficult. We must rely on our knowing that we belong to Christ. We must understand that our bond to Him is stronger than any other bond we could have.
Our bond to Christ can be strengthened by being an active member of a church. Though attending Sunday worship services can help, we are strengthened even more when we participate in Sunday School, Bible studies, and other church organized activities. We build relationships with other Christians, and they become people we can count on when things are difficult.
I pray we all know we belong to Christ. I pray we understand our bond to Christ is the strongest bond possible. I pray each one of us will be an active member in the church and build relationships with other Christians. You belong to Christ. Your bond with Christ is unbreakable. Be an active member of a church. Build relationships.
1 Peter 2:20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God.
Marty Pressey 