I Peter 3:13 - 4:11 In Which the Writer Needs to Have Her Mind Transformed

 

 

This passage bangs up against my sensibilities.  Peter's view of suffering is so very unlike our culture's.  I hadn't noticed it before studying this passage, but suffering is a taboo in our society.  We don't like to see it, hear about it or think about it.  And we certainly don't want to experience it.  We're shocked when we do suffer or when we see others suffer – as if suffering is something totally foreign to the human experience.

 

Peter, on the other hand, is matter-of-fact.  Suffering happens.  Just be sure you're suffering for doing good instead of evil. 

 

Peter reminds us of Jesus' readiness to suffer for the good that would come of it ("he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God") and encourages us to readiness for the good that will come of it ("if you have suffered physically for Christ . . . you won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God").

 

Peter also says a few things that have kept the church wondering for hundreds of years (for instance, just who were those spirits in prison?).  One point he seems to be making is that suffering for good will be vindicated.  Jesus suffered physically and he suffered dishonor.  He accomplished the goal of all his suffering, and now he is enthroned in a place of glory and authority.  His excellence is now obvious, even to the spirits in prison.

 

We, too, may suffer.  The suffering will bring about a very good result.  Along the way we may also suffer dishonor, but those who cause us dishonor will face God.  Then they will understand that our lifestyles, which seem so odd now, are really lifestyles of great worth.   Ultimately, our actions and attitudes will be revealed for what they are.  God will reward us for doing what is right.

 

Wise and loving Father, please transform my thoughts.  Help me believe that suffering can be used for a good that is far greater than the suffering.  Help me live in the "Now" but believe that I'll be rewarded in the "Then".  Enable me, Father, to be ready to suffer for doing what is right.