One clear message found throughout scripture is that suffering is the means by which God builds character in us. On the other hand, a life of ease that knows nothing but wealth, prestige, and power tends to corrupt character. The religious power brokers in Israel enjoyed lives of position and privilege. And it was these religious leaders who opposed the will and work of God. Jesus, on the other hand, grew up in a despised town in what was known as Galilee of the Gentiles. It was our Lord himself who said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”* His ministry was, in large part, supported by women whose status in that day was that of chattel or property.
Saul of Tarsus enjoyed great status and privilege - a Roman citizen from a wealthy family, educated under the great Jewish Rabbi, Gamaliel. But it was Saul, the Jew, who changed his name to the Gentile name, Paul. And it was Paul, who in prison for his uncompromising faith in Jesus, said, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ . . . I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ.”*
As followers of Jesus, we come from diverse backgrounds, social status, and wealth. But whatever our backgrounds may be, we can be certain that, as we seek to follow Jesus, our Lord will teach us that true wealth and status are found in Him. Suffering helps open our eyes to this character-building truth.
In Christ,
Dan
This encouraged me today. So often when life gets tough we ask "what did I do wrong?". Well-what did I do right? I've heard the voice of the Lord challenging me in contrary times: "this is not punishment, this is because you prayed." I want to trust God like that, knowing everything will be used for our good! 🙏