Get an Attitude!
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 4:1-11
Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude. 1 Peter 4:1
"Having an attitude" is not often considered a positive thing. But attitude is essential and good when it's the positive force behind a winning team or it helps you overcome a series of difficulties.
To do God's will, says Peter, we must have an attitude that's the same as Jesus Christ's. We must be armed with an attitude that is ready to suffer. One of the greatest hindrances to fulfilling God's mission today is the church's wealth and ease. Like the seed in Jesus' parable that is "choked by life's ... riches and pleasures" (Luke 8:14), an over-easy church is too soft and comfortable to fight back.
It's amazing, though, that when we learn to expect suffering, we can grow to face it and press through it, in God's strength. Just as the athlete knows that "with no pain, there's no gain," we endure training in Christ's work so that we may "live ... for the will of God."
How ready are you to suffer for Christ? How much discomfort and inconvenience are you willing to endure to support his cause? How much embarrassment will you accept to take a stand for Jesus? Are you willing to sacrifice your desires in order to pursue God's agenda?
Like good soldiers, let's arm ourselves with the attitude of our Lord and Savior. Then let's follow our Captain, who suffered to win us the victory.
Dear Jesus, you showed your power by being willing to suffer. Empower us with a grander vision than ourselves so that we may lay down our lives for you. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Tim Holwerda
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