1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
As I was reading this passage it just struck me how much God uses our suffering to teach us and mold us, and how different our lives are supposed to look after we've been saved.
ReplyDeleteI know the past couple of years in my life have been really rough. My parents divorce, my grandfather's health has gotten really bad, school has been hard, and one of my closest friends suffered from really bad depression and would only talk about it to me. All these things, even though I initially labeled them as bad, have taught me so much about relying on God and trusting Him! I wouldn't have wished for any of it to happen, but now that it has I thank God that He has used all of those "bad" things to teach me and draw me closer to Him.
The other thing I was thinking about is how much we are supposed to be different from the world. The bible says we shouldn't live for earthy human desires, but rather that we should live for God. How many hours of the day do we live for ourselves? and how many hours of the day do we live for God? I know that personally, if you measured the two times, I would fall short. Often times I WANT to live for God, but I don't make the choice to. I don't empty myself completely and allow Him to live through me. What would our lives look like if we did surrender all to Him? It would look VERY STRANGE to the world.