Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
How many of us only expect blessings from God? Peace. Comfort. Eternal life. Sign me up for those! But suffering? Deprevation? Discipline? Not quite as excited about that prospect.
What percentage of Christians in the United States over the past 200 years have really suffered as a result of their belifs? Not just inconvenienced, but really suffered? Left out of after work happy hour invites- perhaps. But suffered? Exteneded the life of a mortgage because of faithful tithing- sure. But suffered?
Why aren't American Christians suffering for Christ? We do live in a country that espouses religious freedom. (At least on paper we do, but don't try to sell that to the early Mormons.) For the most part our country was founded on Christian ideals.
Is our lack of suffering because we live in a religiously tolerant country or is it because we don't sell out completely for Christ?
I am not sure what Christian suffering would look like in America, but I do know that suffering for Christ in America is the exception, not the norm. What would our country look like if more Christians were willing to suffer for Christ?
(Sidebar thought--What guidelines should used when trying to make a specific passage or verse fit today's church or society. This verse from Philippians is a good example. Paul is writing to a particular group of early Christians. Should this "also suffer for him" phrase apply to all Christians today? To just a select group? To no one?)
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