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The Daily Word of Righteousness
Fifty-two Kingdom Concepts, #67
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (I Peter 4:1,2—NIV)
The Apostle Paul claims that we must suffer if we are to rule. It is through suffering that God conquers the rebellion that is in us. The original sin, the mother of all other sins, came into existence when Satan rebelled against the Father. God will never accept rebellion against His will on the part of any creature, angelic or human.
Therefore those who would rule under God must suffer every kind of trial, pain, prison, frustration, irritation, until there is no flaw in their stern obedience to the Father.
We must live in the power of Christ's resurrection, and through this power share in the sufferings of Christ, being conformed to His death on the cross.
The Lord Jesus Christ has been with God from eternity. Yet, Christ learned obedience in the earth through the things He suffered here. The level of obedience required of those who would govern in God's Kingdom can be attained only through suffering.
Therefore let us profit from our suffering, as Jesus did, patiently committing ourselves to God as we are denied the things, circumstances, and relationships we desire intensely. God is faithful. When we have suffered according to His will He shall give us the desires of our heart and add no sorrow with them. He is a faithful Creator and we can safely commit to Him every aspect of our life.
Trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. (I Peter 1:11—NIV)
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. (James 5:10—NIV)
Survival and Security, Worship, and Achievement
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26—NIV)
Survival and security, worship, and achievement—these are the three pursuits of life. Every son of God is tested in each of these three areas.
Every healthy human being is intensely concerned about his or her survival and security in the world.
Every healthy human being is intensely involved in seeking that which he or she desires above all else. This is the realm of idolatry, worship, and joy.
Every healthy human being has a desire to express himself or herself by some accomplishment, by some contribution or expansion of his or her personality.
When all is said and done, there are only two ways of behaving in this present world. Either we utilize our own intelligence, strength, and talents or that of other people to gain survival and security, pleasure, and achievement, or else we trust God in His own way and time to provide survival and security, pleasure, and achievement for us. There is no third way to approach life, as far as I know.
To be continued.