For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.
Philippians 1:29 (NLT)

Are we privileged?

No matter our position in this world, as believers we are distinctly privileged to trust Christ and claim all God’s promises. Do we forget our place in God’s family as beloved, chosen, adopted children? Do we lose sight of His promised presence? Do we appreciate the confidence, peace and joy that come from trusting that Jesus paid the price for us?

Yes, we are privileged.

In addition, we have the privilege to suffer for Him. Privilege and suffering are seldom paired, but accepting the good gifts of God entails enduring the mockery, ridicule, and disapproval of the world – sometimes even physical harm. It’s an odd privilege to claim.

After contemplating this honor for several days, I’m unable to think of one way in which I’ve suffered for Jesus. I’ve ended an unhealthy relationship and turned off an inappropriate show, but nothing close to suffering. I’m ashamed to admit this because Christians in other parts of the world suffer for their faith. Muslims converting to Christianity sometimes leave their countries due to death threats. Countries prohibiting Bibles enforce severe punishment for offenders.

We can’t know how we’ll respond until faced with a difficult situation, but it’s worth considering the possibilities. Is my trust in Christ so solid that I would defend Him against verbal assault? Would I oppose the majority to hold fast to Jesus’ teachings? Could I stand firm in my faith in the face of physical suffering?

With the privilege of trusting Christ comes the privilege of suffering for Him.

Do you know someone who has suffered for Christ? Please share.

#SeedsofScripture @Cathy_Chung #privilege #defendingthefaith