For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17, ESV)
Jesus said that in this world you will have trouble. There is no doubt about that. There are struggles every day. A big question is: will our troubles be for doing right thing or the wrong thing?
There are consequences to our actions. When we fail to align our lives with God’s will, we will face struggles. God gives us his Law to show us how to live so that it will go well with us. He doesn’t give us his Law to be authoritarian or domineering over us. He doesn’t do it to rain on our parade. He gives us his Law so that we might have a path to live abundantly.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, when you are doing good, there will be struggle. The things that are worth doing are rarely easy. It is a challenge to do the right thing. It is a challenge to live faithfully. It is a challenge to live significantly. There are barriers and obstacles along with the way. There are critics and naysayers. There are forces natural and unnatural that will work to oppose us.
I think of the Apostle Paul at the end of his life how he says that he fought the good fight. Sometimes you need to fight for what is right. When you are in a fight, you just might get hit back. What Peter says is if are going to take a hit, make sure you are taking a hit for the right reason.
Reflections
- Are your struggles in life the result of doing the right thing or the wrong thing?
- Why do you think it is such a struggle to do the right thing?
Prayer
Almighty God, life is so often a struggle. There are so many challenges that we face in this world. Thank you for your grace that helps me to persevere. Give me discernment to follow your path. If I will struggle, may I struggle for the right reasons. Fill me with your Holy Spirit to live faithfully even in the most difficult times. Amen.
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