ASLC Devotions - Thursday

1 Peter 4:15-16  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.  

This whole business of suffering in God's name is tricky business. First of all, we need to be very clear that God doesn't want us to go out and seek suffering. Jesus didn't say "Blessed are those who suffer persecution" as an instruction - go out and seek some persecution. That's not the intent. That's not God's desire for you or for anyone.

But also - we sometimes use the blessing of suffering in God's name as an excuse when we're just suffering because we've actually done something wrong. If people don't like us because we're mean, we don't get to use the excuse that "I do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because I bear this name." No - we still have the responsibility to act as decent people, to treat people how we would want to be treated. As Peter says - don't suffer because you're a murderer or a thief or a criminal - or even as a mischief-maker. That's no good. God doesn't bless that. Do good, so far as you are able. Bear Christ's name, so far as you are able. And let God take care of the rest.

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

Remember to join together in worship this Saturday evening at 5 and Sunday morning at 9. As always, find more information about events at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org and also as always, please be careful driving on Quentin Road and coming in and out of the church parking lot through the construction.