The Consequence
The first rose of summer at Shiloh.
May 8Our pastor continued to step on toes as he made his second statement Sunday.
"Most of our pain is a consequence of our sin, not a trial."
Yikes, ouch, oooo, so uncomfortable. The categories of suffering were reeled off.
Spiritual suffering. It is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 1 Peter 2:19
Divine suffering. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:14
But then came the discomfort. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 1 Peter 4:15
Just as we were getting comfortable in our seats, thinking we didn't fit into any of those categories our eyes were opened to the suffering we bring upon ourselves. Murder = hateful thoughts. Thieves = those who steal time from their employers may end up losing their jobs. Those stealing away the interests of their spouse, may find their spouse no longer interested in them. The categories and activities of sinful behavior, which try to captivate our lives every day are endless as are the consequences they birth. And then the boom lowered, as he stated that our meddling behavior brings about extremely unfortunate consequences in our lives.
We are always looking for ways to comfort ourselves and others. Maybe repentance is the actual solution to peace and comfort.
Give God the glory…we need to get over ourselves and look for the greater purpose.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trail you are suffering; as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13
