For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. - 1 Peter 2:21-24
We were called for what?
Once again the health, wealth, and prosperity crowd are delivered a serious blow by the Word of God. Though God is not opposed to material blessing, He never promises it. He also never promises physical health, safety, or protection (even though these are ours spiritually). The one purpose God has "called" all of His Son's followers for is suffering.
To be called to Christ is to experience the power of His resurrection, but also His sufferings along with it. In this, Jesus is our perfect example in every sense of the term. He did not live a luxurious life. He gave no thought to Himself. He was a selfless, servant of mankind, yet still worthy of complete adoration.
May others be led to adore Christ in us, not us instead of Christ, and may any attraction be strictly directed toward the Savior of men's souls.
A Christian is someone who shares the sufferings of God in the world. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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