Deeper Life #84

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

—1 Peter 4:19

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF what might be called active, well-doing suffering? It is commended to us by the apostle Peter (1 Peter 4:19).

The idea of a saint in the New Testament does not suggest a cloistered sentiment, or an emotion which encircles an individual like a halo of glory. A real saint is a holy person engaged in life with deeds of holiness. Saints live in the world, suffering “according to the will of God” and committing “the keeping of their souls to him in well doing.”

The saint’s life is not to be reduced to zero through renunciation, but raised to infinity through satisfaction. The essential difference between the stoic and the saint is just the point where they seem most alike. For instance, in overcoming the world and the ills of this life, both seem indifferent. The stoic’s overcoming, however, is through a lack of passion. The saint’s overcoming is by passion for Christ. This is godly suffering.

Prayer Thought: It is easier, Lord Jesus, simply to avoid those who inflict suffering on me; instead of behaving like this, though, I want to “suffer in well-doing.”

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Peter 4:12–19