Sometimes It Is Better To Suffer Wrong

Sometimes It Is Better To Suffer Wrong

The persecution of the early church was gradual but it took on an intensity that resulted in many lives being sacrificed for the cause of righteousness. At first the Jewish council warned the apostles to stop preaching in the name of Christ (Acts 4). The next time they beat them and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5). Then it elevated to the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7 and the “great persecution” by the hand of Saul of Tarsus. James the apostle was killed by Herod (Acts 12) and the apostle Paul spent many days in a Roman prison.

In modern America it would seem out of the question to suffer as the First Century disciples found themselves. Living in a land of “freedom” we have established a theocracy of rights that rejects the idea of having anyone walk on us or use us. Everyone is demanding their rights but never their responsibilities. Like the priest and Levite of the Lord’s parable of the Samaritan, the spirit of “what is mine is mine and I will keep it” pervades the attitudes and hearts of God’s people.

Corinth was blessed to have a “church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2) in the midst of idolatry but the influences of the world were impacting the attitudes of “those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2). One such problem is found in the sixth chapter. Incredulous to Paul, brethren were taking other brethren to law against one another. It was a shame because they were so carnal minded in their attitudes against one another. Admonishing them the apostle writes, “Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?” (1 Corinthians 6:7). Has pride caused us to view our rights before men over the righteousness expected by our Father? Is there anything in this world that is worth the soul(s) of any person just because we want our rights? Sadly the Lord reminds us that life is not about the things we possess (Luke 12:15) but rather the thing we possess (Matthew 16:26).

Peter reminds the people of God that persecution is a way of life. In his first epistle the apostle exhorts the pilgrims to look at persecution as a blessing to endure as even Christ suffered. “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17). This was said in the context that people will scorn the life of a Christian and denigrate the character of righteousness (1 Peter 3:16). But it is a better thing to suffer persecution for living holy lives than to demand our rights and not allow anyone to take advantage of me. Vance Havner suggested that while the early Christians wore scars we are more comfortable wearing badges.

A fiery trial will come upon all that name the name of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12). It is better to suffer wrong by others if it is the will of God and it is better if it is the will of God to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong. What sets apart those who live by the kingdom law of God (Matthew 6:33) is they serve a higher power and honor the “King of King and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16). Our hearts must profess with the early disciples of Jesus Christ: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Surrendered!