One of the fundamental teachings of Christianity is that Jesus is our model for life. One of the better-known Bible verses that talks about this is Philippians 2:3–5ff which says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
From here, there is an endless list of Jesus’s character traits that are worth emulating: honesty, courage, faithfulness, obedience, grace, justice, love, and the list goes on and on. But are some of these traits more important than others? I think so. If so, what would be the more important ones?
I think one of the more important things that Jesus models for us is to face suffering with courage. Facing suffering is not easy. If you think about it, suffering is the ultimate test of obedience. It’s easy to obey God when the consequences are favorable, but what about when faithfulness results in deep pain? Or even death? First Peter 2:21 says, “For you have been called for his purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.”
So why am I talking about this now? The times are changing. Being a Christian is becoming less and less popular and therefore more and more uncomfortable. This hasn’t always been the case for Western Christianity, certainly in my lifetime.
Persecution is a part of the package. Jesus says, “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). Note that Jesus doesn’t say “disliked” but “hated”.
The model that Jesus gives us is not to avoid suffering but to face it courageously. We are to meet pain with courage when it comes to being a part of God’s world renewal plan to bring healing to the world. You know what the scary part is? God’s world renewal plan for the world starts with the transformation of the individual—it starts with you. It starts with me. Looking at ourselves honestly, dealing with our own personal junk is some of the worst suffering. It’s painful. It’s painful to remember our wounds and deal with them.
I find it easy to walk into suffering so that others may live. I don’t have any trouble facing pain and discomfort for the sake of the redemption of others. I do, however, dread revisiting weaknesses and wounds as the Holy Spirit guides.
As we celebrate Pentecost, let’s be mindful of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as the fire of heaven, comes to illuminate the world. Are you courageous enough to allow him to illuminate the places of hurt in you? Redemption starts there.
