AN EXAMPLE WE SHOULD FOLLOW

1 Peter 2:19-21 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.

The lesson found in this text is more easily understood by referring to the preceding verse, where Peter briefly mentions the relationship between a servant and master. The admonition to the servant was that he or she has the responsibility to be submissive and perform the duties required by the good master, as well as those required by the froward or harsh master. Slavery abounded during the era this letter was written, and, on numerous occasions, the relationship between master and slave, was used as an example to help understand lessons such as is found in this text. It is well documented in history, that there were good masters that treated slaves compassionately and justly. However, it is also well known that many masters dealt harshly with slaves, inflicting on them hurtful punishment, not necessarily for just cause, but, merely to demonstrate their superior position in life.

Peter begins the lesson text by saying this is thankworthy. In other words, the lesson Peter is about to teach them about Christian conduct, is worth noting, is acceptable, as translated in the Revision, and is commendable according to the NKJV.

There are times when people commit sin, act wrongfully, and are guilty of conduct that violates the laws under which they live. As Peter says, for these faults, they may be justly buffeted. He also says that, even if the person receives just punishment, and takes it patiently, there is no glory. For the guilty person to received justice, there is nothing to boast or brag about - there is no glory in receiving just punishment.

In these verses, Peter also describes a person receiving unjust punishment as one that endures grief, suffering wrongfully. Punishment, to any degree without just cause, is sometimes carried out, as the example noted above indicates, regarding the harsh master. To the extreme, one that suffers the punishment of death for a crime not committed, is often referred to as a martyr. Webster describes such a person as one who chooses to suffer or die rather than give up the faith or principles in which they believe.

Undoubtedly, the greatest martyr of all was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith and convictions, to carry out the plan of salvation, that was designed before creation, never wavered. Jesus carried out the task assigned by His heavenly Father, without complaint. Jesus willingly gave His life. Though His life was sinless, He was falsely accused of a crime He did not commit, and in order to satisfy His accusers, He was, mocked, ridiculed, spat upon, scourged, and sentenced to die a cruel death on the cross. All this He bore without complaint, enduring grief, and suffering wrongfully.

In these few verses, Peter told his Christian brethren, and tells us today, that Jesus Christ is an example we should follow. Does this mean that we should die if necessary in order to maintain our faith in God, and remain obedient to His will? Yes! However, excluding warfare between nations in this day and age, persecution and suffering rarely results in the severe punishment of death. But to whatever degree of grief and pain the child of God is exposed to, the example of Jesus Christ should be our guide. More often than not, the suffering Christians are faced with today, is more social in nature. In the presence of fellow Christians, our conduct usually "preaches" a very strong sermon on holding fast to your faith in God.

But outside the body of Christ, how strong is your faith when you are among fellow workers, or classmates, or neighbors? What kind of example do we set in such times as these, when our faith is challenged by peer pressure through criticism and derision? Do we maintain our Christian characteristics, and exhibit the patience this lesson text teaches? We are warned throughout God's Word, that the injustice and suffering inflected on a Christian can not be repaid in kind. Not only are we to maintain an uncompromising faith in God, but we are to do so with patience. This we know, because Jesus Christ is an example we should follow.