“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:21-25 (NIV)
Anyone who claims he/she likes suffering should repent and get delivered. People who enjoy good psychological and emotional health do not like suffering. Yet, a cursory reading might lead us to believe that Peter encourages believers to suffer in order to show they are following Christ. But let us consider that the bold Apostle is not encouraging a discipleship of suffering. Rather, Peter is exhorting his readers to follow the example of Christ’s attitude.
Attitude is almost as bad as suffering . . . not quite but almost. For the most part, American believers want a one-sided Christianity . . . my way or the highway. This sort of self-serving, no-demands, attitude of a four-year old is unfair to Christ and his first century constituents.
The Apostle Peter writes that Christ left an example for us so that we “should follow in His steps.” What then was Christ’s example? He didn’t commit sin. It wasn’t simply that He was sinless. He didn’t commit transgressions against God and others. He didn’t have a deceitful mouth. When others yelled at him and insulted him, He did not yell insults in return. When He suffered, He didn’t threaten those who abused him. Rather, Christ simply committed His attitude and behavior to the justice of the Eternal Judge.
There are times when a close scrutiny of attitude might cause us to ponder who “bore our sins in his body on the tree.” It was His death on Calvary that defeated our sin and birthed our righteousness. It was His suffering that produced our healing. It was Christ who came looking for hopelessly lost individuals and gathered us together under His care and oversight. Without question, His attitude is the example to follow.
Dear Father, forgive us our immature attitudes. Grant that we may faithfully follow our Lord’s example. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you follow Christ’s example,