Are We Prepared to Suffer for Our Faith?
In a world that often prioritizes comfort and ease, the question of suffering for one’s faith can seem archaic or even unnecessary. Yet, for many Christians around the globe, this question is not theoretical but a daily reality. The ancient church in Smyrna faced this very challenge, and their story offers profound insights for believers today.
Smyrna, a prosperous city in ancient Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was home to a small but faithful Christian community. Despite their material poverty, Jesus commended them for their spiritual wealth. This stark contrast challenges our modern notions of success and blessing. In a culture obsessed with material prosperity, we’re reminded that true riches lie in our relationship with Christ.
The Christians in Smyrna faced intense opposition from various fronts. They were slandered, economically marginalized, and even threatened with imprisonment. Yet, in the face of such adversity, Jesus’ message to them was clear: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer.” This exhortation echoes through the ages, speaking to all who face persecution for their faith.
But why does God allow His people to suffer? The scripture reveals that testing produces steadfastness and maturity in our faith. As James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” This perspective transforms our view of suffering from a curse to be avoided into an opportunity for spiritual growth.
The story of Polycarp, a later bishop of Smyrna, vividly illustrates this faithful endurance. When faced with death unless he renounced Christ, Polycarp declared, “For 86 years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” His unwavering commitment, even to the point of martyrdom, serves as a powerful testament to the reality of Christ’s words: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
This promise of the “crown of life” reminds us that our ultimate hope lies not in this world but in the world to come. Jesus assures the faithful that they “will not be hurt by the second death.” This eternal perspective should shape how we view our present circumstances, no matter how challenging they may be.
But what does this mean for us today, especially those living in relative comfort and religious freedom? While we may not face the immediate threat of martyrdom, we are still called to die to ourselves daily. This might mean sacrificing our reputation, relationships, or material comforts for the sake of following Christ. The question remains: Is our love for Jesus greater than our fear of loss or discomfort?
The example of the Smyrnan church challenges us to examine our own lives. Have we become too comfortable? Have we unconsciously adopted the belief that we can serve God without any personal cost? The words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed for his faith in Nazi Germany, ring true: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
This call to sacrificial living isn’t meant to foster a martyr complex or a dour, joyless faith. On the contrary, it’s an invitation to experience the deepest joy and richness of life in Christ. As Jesus himself taught, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” There’s a profound paradox here – in giving up our lives for Christ, we find true life.
The story of Smyrna also reminds us of the global nature of the church. While some parts of the Body of Christ experience relative ease, others face daily persecution. We’re called to “remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body” (Hebrews 13:3). This solidarity with the suffering church should shape our prayers, our giving, and our perspective on our own challenges.
As we reflect on these truths, we’re faced with some challenging questions:
1. How would our lives change if we truly believed that our spiritual riches in Christ far outweigh any material wealth or comfort?
2. In what areas of our lives are we holding back from full commitment to Christ out of fear of suffering or loss?
3. How can we cultivate a faith that, like Polycarp’s, would remain steadfast even in the face of death?
4. In what ways can we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who are facing persecution?
The message to the church in Smyrna serves as both a comfort and a challenge. It comforts us with the assurance that Christ knows our struggles and promises eternal reward for our faithfulness. But it also challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to Him.
In a world that often equates blessing with comfort and success, we’re called to a different standard. Our true measure of success is not found in our bank accounts or social status, but in our faithfulness to Christ, come what may.
As we navigate the complexities of living out our faith in the modern world, may we draw inspiration from those who have gone before us. May we, like the Christians of Smyrna, be found faithful. And may we live in light of the promise that awaits us – not a crown of gold that perishes, but the imperishable crown of life given by Christ himself.
In the end, the question is not whether we will suffer, but whether our love for Christ will prove greater than our fear of suffering. May we be found among those who overcome, who do not love their lives even unto death, for the sake of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.