Willing to Suffer Shame

How many people are truly willing to suffer shame for sharing and teaching about Christ? Not many in the American church I’m afraid. Even more, how many people would rejoice for being arrested and imprisoned for teaching about Christ? Even fewer I suspect. Not only are pastors preaching prosperity, happiness, and comfort, but millions of American Christians are biblically illiterate. First, there is a disparity between luxurious and comfortable suburban churches and an environment that trains a person to suffer for Christ. If all a Christian knows is self-centered, self-help preaching and superficial fellowship centered about social activities void of the word of God, then they will be extremely unprepared when persecution comes calling. Unfortunately too many Christians are pursuing career, hobbies, sports, and self at the neglect of knowing and suffering for Christ.

Consider a military Soldier for a moment. What would happen if the soldier arrived at basic training, was ushered into a comfortable seat and then given a 45 minute pep talk? What would happen if they reviewed the field manuals on how to fight a war, had another motivating speaker, graduated, and were then sent off to war without ever having been tested and tried? Is this how we train our war fighters who will engage in physical war? No, not even close. Military training is challenging, tough, hard, and involves a certain level of suffering. Its designed to prepare the soldier to defeat the enemy during military combat. Is spiritual training any different? No, a soldier of the cross is willing and yielded to encounter whatever the Lord brings into their life as they are prepared, refined, and tested for spiritual warfare. This is how they learn to put on the Armor of God.

The point is that comfort and ease are counterproductive to having the mindset that is willing to suffer for Christ. It was following Pentecost that the disciples began to experience the effects of their bold faith and preaching, and in Acts 5:12-42, the disciples were arrested and put on trial. Following their release and the command to not speak in the name of Jesus ever again, the disciples departed “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ” (Acts 5:41).

The disciples didn’t complain, they didn’t grumble, they didn’t plead to their governmental officials for help, they rejoiced! They viewed their suffering for Christ as a blessing. These men were commissioned and were on a mission. When a person has surrendered themselves to Christ they expect and then prepare themselves to suffer shame for His name.