By: Obed Pineda
In a letter penned with the intention of stirring up the embers of encouragement and steadfastness in the hearts of those who suffered great persecution, the inspired Peter espoused “we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1st Peter 4:3-4). It is curious to learn that one definition of the Greek word xenizō (translated as “strange” in the KJV, NKJV and ASV) provided by Thayer’s lexicon is “to be surprised, astonished at the novelty or strangeness of a thing; to think strange, be shocked” (Thayer, G3579). Putting this interpretation of xenizō next to the historical background of the merciless persecution Christians were enduring when this epistle was inspired by the Holy Spirit, lends the diligent student of the Bible a sharper focus of the true meaning of being the light of the world (cf. Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:14-16). It is vital to firmly keep in mind that our brethren were suffering “for righteousness’ sake” and the apostle Peter was exhorting them “‘not to be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1st Peter 3:14-15). For this reason, it is evident that to be a child of light requires one to be bold and dare to stand out as the sunbeams do through a cloudy, overcast sky. Although it is true that in today’s society true Christians are not being physically tormented for being godly in an ungodly world, this does not mean that we are not being persecuted by “the enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18b). Verily one cannot deny the looks of disapproval aimed at us for neither approving nor participating in the unfruitful works that are now deemed as “inoffensive” by the world since the times have changed and society as a whole has become more tolerant of certain sins (cf. Ephesians 5:8-11). Like in the first century, it is still true today that choosing to live a life devoted to God in all righteousness is perceived as eccentric and contentious, proving that a disciple of Jesus Christ is still required to confront and resist the heavy pressure of our peer’s influence. It is unfair and naive to believe that being ostracized for having a loyal commitment to God’s commandments will not have a negative impact on our heart; this modern type of persecution does still hurt any human being. Claiming that ostracism from one’s community does not cause pain is a perilous signal that one has learned to numb his emotions and has begun to lose sight of his humanity; both of which are crucial for rescuing lost souls for Jesus (cf. 2nd Corinthians 4:11-18). Let us bring to mind that the apostle Paul (a man admired for his strong devotion to Christ and His Gospel) humbly requested of Timothy “be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica” (2nd Timothy 4:9-10a). Yet, in spite of feeling the loneliness from being abandoned by his peers when he most needed their support, Paul fiercely gripped to the reality that “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear” (2nd Timothy 4:17). The apostle reveals to Timothy the source of spiritual energy and strength to be the knowledge of the presence of Christ with him. Nonetheless, Paul also had the humility to ask his young apprentice to visit him for he was in need of encouragement due to Demas’ regrettable choice. The truth of Paul’s woe for Demas’ return to the world illuminates that the apostle did not numb his heart, but instead was in full control of his emotions. He hurt for being left alone in his hour of need by his companions, but immediately stabilized his heart by turning first to Jesus and then to Timothy. Notice also that Paul did not cease to preach the Gospel, nor suffer for its sake just because he had become isolated. His spiritual eyes were firmly fixed on the heavenly prize, and he was fully aware of the price that needed to be paid (and willing to pay it) in order to claim it in the end (cf. Philippians 3:3-17). Paul made it his goal to be like Christ in every aspect of his life; it is why he boldly invites “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1st Corinthians 11:1). Nevertheless, it is wise to comprehend that this confirms that we will stand out from the rest of mankind, and we should not be afraid to do so. The Savior declared that “if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Furthermore, He revealed to His disciples “you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them” (Matthew 10:22-26a). When the weight of the world’s rejection and disdain begins to bog our shoulders down, we must not allow ourselves to emulate Demas. Even the Master Himself felt the weight of loneliness when He was en route to Golgotha, but He invited His intimate triangle to join Him in the garden and to pray with Him (cf. Matthew 26:36-38). What an amazing revelation it is to realize that our Master even left an example for us in how to deal with personal sorrow! It is righteous to always remember that from the first day we rose to a new life (cf. Romans 6:4) we were already standing out from among the walking dead (cf. Ephesians 2:1-7). We must accept the challenge of being different from the rest of society not out of self-righteousness, but so that we may allow our “light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Indeed, the Gospel dares us to stand out from a corrupt generation, so that we can lead them toward the eternal Promised Land and conquer it together (cf. Deuteronomy 31:1-8).