1 Peter 4 - Grace, Glory, Grit

It’s incredible to me how different things in God’s Word just leap off the screen and speak to me at different times. It’s so easy for me to see struggles, challenges, and suffering as bad, wrong, or unjust, but that is not a Biblical view. 

“Since Christ, though innocent, suffered in his flesh for you, now you also must be a prepared soldier, having the same mind-set, for whoever has died in his body is done with sin.” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I am reminded of a trip I took to India a few years back. A good friend toured us through the slums of Mumbai, and we go to see his ministry in action. He was a mobile teacher, driving around holding school sessions for kids, teaching, and educating them in these horrific conditions. He would feed them physically, but at the same time also pour into them spiritually with the Word of God and show love and compassion. These kids had nothing, the clothes on their backs, maybe cardboard or rickety structure they called home and at best a solid meal every couple of days. But the joy in their hearts and the smiles on their faces were electric. 

This example isn’t a direct connection to the opening verse in today’s reading, but it does leap into my mind when I think about the mindset of Christ. You see, our Western world view is so anti the mind-set of Christ. Our Western culture, especially here in the US, can not fathom suffering and struggles as living for God and being blessed by God. Pain is not naturally thought of as being in God’s grace. 

With the abundance that so many of us are just born into, we just don’t get it. When I see the joy in the eyes and hearts of the impoverished children, my mind can not comprehend what I am seeing. Peter reminds us and brings this to light.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We should not be surprised at the fiery ordeal when things get tough or the trials come our way. I love how the Message version says this:

“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I know I need to hear this because I can jump right to the conclusion of God, where are you? Are you not paying attention? But take another minute to soak in what the verse says. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. Be glad in the midst of it. THIS IS the mind-set of Christ. We must recognize this is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. You see, glory comes when we go through the refining process.

But something Peter said a little earlier is so critical to understand with this. Walking through this alone is not God’s best. When we are in the grip and walking through the refining process, we need to be in the community. 

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:8-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Grit is essential for us as believers and followers of Jesus. Life is not just a box of chocolates, and all things happy go lucky, at least the last time I looked. Grit is a virtue that we must embrace and grow in. But grit does not need to be done in isolation. We must unite in love, compassion, and community. Love each other deeply! Offer hospitality without grumbling. Use the gifts God has equipped us with to serve others. 

When is the last time you have extended a hand, offered a meal, or, most importantly, jumped into the pain and struggles of someone deep in the middle of suffering? We are walking through a lot of struggles and challenges as a country right now. It is easy to hop on social media and throw out an option, make a public statement, and throw our voices into a crowded mess of unproductive words. I wonder if a better option is let our voices be heard in a quiet space, a dinner table, a porch, a cafeteria or a place where we can sit with someone, or a family that is in the middle of suffering and extend hospitality and love in a way that looks a bit more like the life of Jesus. I have the audacity of hope to believe that if the body of Christ unites in a way that models love, compassion, and hospitality in these troubled times, that true change can and will occur. Let’s commit to and continue to do good.

“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” - ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬