Theology 101 No. 25

In the last Theology 101 we saw how God gives great blessings to us through baptism. Among these gifts is the fullness of God's favor. But this raises in the minds of many the seemingly unanswerable question of, “Why do bad things happen to Christians?” St. Peter warns us as such for “as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind” (I Peter 4:1). St. Paul tells us in his second letter to Timothy “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Timothy 3:12). Daily as Christians we struggle with sin and overcoming the flesh with its desirous lusts. Christians often are the subject of contempt, ridiculed, and persecution. These things are referred to as the Christian’s cross and affliction.

Often times to make progress in one's life one must make decisions between that which is proper and Godly and that which will get one ahead in the world. People have, for example, joined ungodly groups like the Masons in order to advance their social standing and aid in their business successes. Others will compromise their Christian ethics or beliefs to find favor with their peers. We need to recognize that following Christ may mean lesser success and fewer advantages from the material standpoint but the Christian must be content with his lot. Jesus said “He who takes up not his cross and follows after me is not worthy of me” Matthew 10:38). These afflictions and trials of the Christian cross are necessary a mark of Christian discipleship.

Each Christian has its own peculiar cross. This is because Christians are not equally endowed when it comes to gifts and talents. As Christians differ in the greatness or weakness of their faith so has God apportions our crosses according to His will. Everyone's cross is thus different. But what God does promise us equally is this: He is faithful who will not “allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with every temptation will also make a way of escape that you would be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13). Whether your individual cross be great or small God has fitted that crossed for you.

As odd as it may seem the cross(es) we bear is proof that God considers us as His children. St. Paul writes, “and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17). Our crosses help make us humble before God. Crosses help conform us to the image of God. A cross teaches us humility, obedience to God, patience in suffering, and to be submissive and prayer. Our flesh considers cross bearing to be a burden of a great load. In the midst of a cross, we may even feel or believe that God has forgotten us. We are reminded that God disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Even when we suffer persecution for the sake of our faith, we are reminded that just as Jesus was hated by the world, we who follow Him will also be hated.

This can be confusing because often times both Christians and unbelievers suffer the fate, same trials, tribulations, and troubles. Both may suffer the loss of personal goods, both may be deprived of their means of livelihood, both stricken with illness, both may be the objects of calamities, disasters, and misfortunes. But there is distinction between the Christian and the unbelieving children of the world during these times. For the unbelieving children of the world these afflictions are to be viewed as the wrath of God for their sins. For the Christian his afflictions are taken to be tokens of God's love. They are not merely accidents. They are not merely unfortunate results of blind chance. Our afflictions are placed upon us with God's permission and these afflictions do not come upon us without purpose.

These times of trial and temptation do help us to turn to God and to not rely upon ourselves. What we face in this life as a result of our Christian life, be it persecution or trouble, can never compare to the eternal glory that God has waiting for His children. One of the best of verses to remember in our times of trial and a tribulation comes from Paul in Romans Chapter 8 where he wrote, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

There's a saying that goes, “If life hands you lemons make lemonade.” Winston Churchill once said, “When you are going through Hell, keep going.” There are many examples of people dealt with a poor lot in this life, their stricken and burdened bodies, or whatever affliction has befallen them, and they have persevered. They have gone on to great successes as the world would measure success and they have endured. When we are reminded that God is our strength and refuge, through Whom we have eternal life as our great reward, how could we not do likewise and persevere? “For if God is for us who can be against us?”