2 Corinthians 1:1-11

First let me make myself clear. I am not going to encourage anyone to adopt a victim mentality. In fact, what Paul says in these verses will blow that attitude out of the water. Paul is talking about sharing in Christ’s suffering, and Jesus was anything but a victim!

So how am I sharing in Christ’s suffering? I believe He suffered and died. I wear a cross around my neck and participate in Communion once a month. I identify with Him by calling myself a CHRISTian.

But I’m a wimp. I avoid suffering. I live a safe, predictable life in a nice home on a beautiful island. How am I supposed to share in Christ’s suffering?

I know there are people who will die today because of their faith in Jesus. There are people all over the world who live in fear every day, yet they stand boldly for the NAME.

Me? I’m afraid someone won’t like me if I actually share the Gospel will them. They might not want to be my friend, or they might even cut me out of their life completely. That would hurt my feelings.

I’m sitting here thinking about this whole idea of sharing in Christ’s suffering, and it dawned on me (or God did). To share in Christ’s suffering means to let go of my “self,” and do the will of the Father no matter the cost. Wasn’t that what Jesus did? He didn’t shy away from doing the hard thing, because the hard thing is what God wanted Him to do. He didn’t think “Me first.” In fact, He didn’t think “ME” at all:

Not my will, but Thine be done.

Paul wasn’t intimidated by the gossip about him in Corinth. He considered that insignificant compared to knowing Jesus and obeying His command to go and make disciples. Paul chose to put his life in God’s hand and, come what may, Paul trusted God even if it caused suffering.

So the question is, am I willing to share in Christ’s suffering? No one is going to nail me to a cross or beat me with leather straps. But standing up for the Truth might make someone mad. It might cause an argument. They might walk away and make fun of me to their friends.

If that’s the extent of my suffering for the sake of the Gospel, shame on me if I cower in fear. Don’t I realize that anything I may “suffer” can bring glory to God? Jesus’ suffering certainly did. And I have the privilege of sharing in that.

Do I choose to suffer for Jesus’ sake? We’ll see. I pray that I do.