Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
Here is an invitation to join the Christian faith. “Welcome, we have a packet for you in the back and it will outline the ways in which the Christian faith is different than other faiths. It welcomes you to a life of suffering. Are you ready to sign on the dotted line? Please take your free loaf of bread along with you as a special gift.”
Jesus has invited us to suffer are you ready? Are you excited?
Said nobody ever…
The natural proclivity of human beings is self-protection and self-preservation. Why would someone decide suffering is the way to peace, contentment, and joy?
This is why Christianity is supernatural. The God of the universe invades the wicked human heart, sets it aright and changes it for eternity. When a convicted criminal is given a pardon for his crimes he is naturally grateful. When the convert is saved his new affections give him the heart to serve the Lord; he is grateful and willingly pays the cost whatever that might be. Even to death.
Ouch… this is a tough pill to swallow for many, dare I say most, evangelical/cultural Christians. But even more, the word granted carries a deeper meaning than what we might think. It means to grant as a favor, in kindness, as an act of grace.
John Calvin said this about the suffering: “Oh, if this persuasion were effectually wrought in our minds — that persecutions are to be reckoned among God’s benefits, what progress would be made in the doctrine of piety!”
There you go… welcome to Christianity. Have a great ride. Hope to see you back real soon. But don’t delay. The consequences are eternal.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Kevin
Uncommon Faith 
Amen. we’re all signed up whether we like it or not. And that’s fine by me. Jesus suffered for me, why on earth shouldn’t I expect the same for me? BTW…who’s the dude on the picture?
Amen Paul.
The dude is Napoleon Dynamite. It’s a movie from 2004. A comedy that created a kind of cult following. It’s quite funny and reasonably “harmless” humor by today’s standard.
Ahhh…was wondering what he had to do with suffering besides suffering for being ugly. 😀
Hahaha, I just loved the perplexed look on his face.
Haha…yeah, I knew someone in school that looked just like him. Without the glasses and he had that hair style that just hung down without being combed.
Looking at the picture, it would make a good T-shirt for Christians. I think we all feel like that at some point.
Love that you chose that photo, Kevin!! I think this is how many of us feelnwhen we are facing a struggle we didn’t expect. 🙂
Yes, it sure seemed to fit the theme.