Post 68 of Study: Hebrews 12:3-11

 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

I do not believe that the New Testament teaches us to pursue suffering for the faith. It says to expect it, to understand it, to endure it, but not to ask for it or go looking for it. To do so would create a mental health problem and behaviors that purposefully irritate so as to stir up trouble. It would make us weird just so we could say we were suffering and take pride in it.

Jesus states plainly in the gospel that if some elements of the world, especially religious or political leadership, hated Him, there was no way we would escape unscathed. I publish this blog every day, and I know some with whom I work and deal might see it as a way to block my way professionally. That’s fine; it’s hardly persecution, just a necessary part of being an aware Christian in today’s world. They wouldn’t be too public about it, since that would be uncool to violate free speech of a colleague, but they would look askance at me and whisper. 

Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame of one of the worst, vilest, dehumanizing public tortures and executions ever devised by men (the Romans were fascinating but man, were they barbaric). Since that is true, undisputable, and a basis of our faith and life, don’t expect sweet treatment at the hands of those who would do the same today to Him. Otherwise, you’ll grow weary and fainthearted; you’ll give up and give in, and worse, live with the consequences.