What are you doing with your life?
Brian F. Reid, NTUBC, October 14, 2007

Most people would do anything to avoid pain; but there are some people who do not. They seem to have a high tolerance for pain, or (even) crave that sensation.

Mick Foley is one such man. Mick is a professional wrestler and is considered the King of Hardcore wrestling. Mick seems to thrive on pain; and here is a partial list of the injuries that Mick has suffered.

Six concussions
One broken jaw
Two broken noses
One broken cheekbone
Lost four front teeth
A separated shoulder
A fractured shoulder
A dislocated shoulder
A broken right wrist
Bone chips in his right elbow
Six broken ribs
Broken left thumb
A torn ACL
A broken toe

Second degree burns on his shoulder and arm,
Thousands of thumb tack holes in his back and arms,
Two-thirds of his right was ear ripped off,
A total of over 300 stitches in his arms, head, eyebrows, hands, ears, cheeks and lips.

Mick Foley endured these hardships, withstood this suffering, and accepted the pain; for something he truly loved.



Being a Christian is much the same. True Christians endure the hardships, withstand the suffering, and accept the pain; for something / someone they truly love; Christ Jesus, our God and Savior.

For true Christians simply live for God.
But, what does that mean?

If we follow Jesus’ example, it could mean living a life of struggles; it could mean suffering both physical and emotional pain, it could mean enduring the hurtfullness of what some people do and say – from non-believers and believers as well.

Verse 1;
“Therefore, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For, if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning.”

We, frail people will sometimes do just about anything to evade and avoid anything that hurts us. We won’t go to the dentist, for fear of the pain of the needle and the drilling, even though we will suffer through the great ache in our teeth.

Mammograms and prostrate exams hurt, are uncomfortable and embarrassing; so we avoid them. But, if we could only suffer through the unpleasantness, for a short time, we could be (in fact) saving our own lives.

Also, we might avoid talking with that someone because of the emotional pain it may cause. Some people like to avoid all such conflicts - just so they don’t have to deal with the pain.

But as Christians, we should be prepared to suffer, as Christ did; as we do God’s will. For Christ suffered for us all; He was prepared to suffer loss – and He did. As followers of Christ, we should be ready and willing (and anticipate) suffering for him, if necessary.

Verse 2;
“As a result, you won’t spend the rest of your earthly life, chasing after evil human desires, but you will be anxious to do the Will of God.”

The good news, the great news, is that if anyone is willing to suffer hardships for Christ, by doing the Will of God, then, that person has made a clean and clear break from sin.

So, if you have resolved, that being part of a Christian, is suffering, by doing God’s will and work, then you have also decided to change your ways, and walk away from your sinful past.

Verse 3 & 4;

“For you have enough in the past, of the evil things that godless people enjoy – their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness, and their wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
“Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you.”

How many of you, lost most of your friends because you became a Christian? How many of you, now suffer a separation within your own family? How many of you, remember the closeness, the support and love once shown; but now, walk a lonely road.

It seems, when we changed our lives (for the better), our friends changed for the worse. We no longer get the phone calls with the updates on our family and friends. We no longer get the invitations to those get-togethers, because we just don’t fit in with the rest (anymore).

A person, whose life changes (even a little), at conversion, may, and most often will, experience contempt from old friends. They may think, that we think, we are better than them. They may not know how to relate to us any more.

We will be scorned, because our priorities have changed, and we say ‘no’ to something that we have said ‘yes’ to in the past. And, it is our (changed) lives, our (changed) priorities, and our (changed) attitude, that incriminates their sinful (unchanged) lives.

Often, we (by our changed lives) are the magnifying glass, that highlights all the imperfections in their lives, and they resent us for that.

Verse 5 & 6;
“But just remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached, even to those who have died – so that although their bodies were punished with death, they could still live in the spirit, as God does.”

The basis of our salvation is our belief in Jesus Christ, and what He did for us, but the basis for judgement is how we have lived; and the everyday witness we give.

Those who inflict persecution, are marked for punishment, when they stand before God. Those who inflict persecution (all in the name of righteousness), are marked for punishment, when they stand before God. Those who inflict persecution (and call themselves fellow Christians), are marked for punishment, when they stand before God.

However, true believers have nothing to fear, because God will be the final judge over all. And if you have lived a life, worth living, if you have lived a life dedicated to doing God’s Will in your life, if you have lived and suffered because of Christ; then you can stand with integrity and righteousness before God – and Christ will stand beside you.

On that final day, the Day of Christ, the day that Jesus (our God) will return to earth, all must give an account of their lives; both the living and the dead. On that day, Christ will raise all who have died, and they, along with all those who still remain on earth, will be judged together.

All have heard the gospel, and if they have responded, then death is merely a gateway to the fuller and freer life of the spirit; and there will be no further judgement to bear. Judgement Day is the final day of reckoning when God will settle all accounts; judging sin and rewarding faith.

And, for those who have ignored the warnings and continued to persecute those who believe, then on that day, God will stand righteous – not them.

But for those, who have heard the gospel, and not responded, then ... The Lake of Fire that burns with sulfur, is the final destination of the wicked.

At the judgement, the books are opened; and in them, are recorded the deeds of everyone; both good and evil. We are not saved by our good deeds, but those deeds are clear evidence of a person’s right relationship with Christ; and our sinful deeds show a lack of commitment.

Anyone, whose name is not recorded in the Book of Life, will be thrown into the Lake of Fire; burning forevermore. If by faith, we have not identified with Christ, confessing Him as Lord, there will be no hope, no second chance, no other appeal.

Verse 7, 8 & 9;

“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love; “for love, covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully, share your home with those who need a meal, or a place to stay.”

Because, we know not, the time, or the place, for which Christ returns, we must live expectantly. Preparing ourselves to meet Christ involves growth in areas of our lives that could cause us pain. We must continue to grow in love for God and others. We should be praying regularly (and our thoughts and words) coming from deep, within our hearts.

One sure way of showing love, is through hospitality; reaching out to others, in a real and meaningful way. Your possessions, wealth, status and power will mean nothing in God’s Kingdom; what is more important is how you use your gifts and blessings, while still on earth.

“Love covers a multitude of sins,” is in reference to 3 possible meanings;

Love can earn forgiveness of sins, not only for the one who displays it, but for the recipient as well.
Love in fellow Christians, true love will overlook it’s neighbours faults.
Love can also refer to God’s love covering our sins, which is the motive for us to love one another; this love is the very foundation of Christ’s ministry of restoration and reconciliation.

Verses 10 & 11;
“God has given gifts to each of you, from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well, so that God’s generosity can flow through you.
Are you called to be a speaker? Then, speak as if God Himself is speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies.

Then, God will be given glory, in everything, through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to Him, forever and ever; Amen.”

Some people, well aware of their gifts, believe that they have the right to use those abilities as they see fit. Not so! Each one should use whatever gift they have received, to serve others; faithfully administering God's grace, in its various forms.

Some people feel that they have no special talent at all. But, the author, Peter says this about both groups of people. “Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them for God’s glory. All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our exclusive enjoyment.

How are you using the gifts and abilities God gave you?

When we use these gifts, to help others, then they will see Jesus in, and through us; and they will praise Him, for the help they have received – through us.

Matthew 5:16 says;

“Let your good deeds shine out to all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.”

If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

And finally, the last word from our scriptures today; “Amen.”

The ‘Amen’ of the Bible has a few different uses; but this ‘Amen’ is not a conclusion to a prayer. Peter does not use it to mean ‘surely’; ‘true’ or even ‘verily’; it is not meant here to acknowledge the legitimacy of an oath, or an expression of agreement; it is not used as a confirmation of the Parousia (the second-coming of Christ);

‘Amen,’ here, is used to reinforce the truth which Peter had just proclaimed; “To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever, Amen.” and ‘most assuredly.’

What are you doing with your life - to glorify God?

Let’s pray;