Show God's Character

1 Peter 4:15-19 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
 
THE church that suffers for being true to God’s will is to commit themselves to their faithful Creator. Such a committed church will be where judgment begins.
   This judgment is not of right and wrong. It means “the severe trial which would determine character”. We often say a person is defined by his response to threat to his character – to what he says and believes. The same is true of a church. What happens when persecution threatens Christians’ safety, even our lives? Are we people of integrity to defend our faith in Jesus? Do we possess the character to stand for Jesus against all opposition? There is no greater time to testify to the gospel’s truth than when we are in severe trial.  
   There is the testimony of such a church in Russia. A group of armed soldiers interrupted the worship service. They pointed their rifles at the congregation and said, “If you leave now, you will not be harmed. All those who stay will be shot.” After some left, the faithful stayed to await their fate. Then the soldiers put down their guns. “We want to know who are true Christians. We want to worship with you.” This is the judgment that began in that family of God and has spread throughout the world.
   This kind of response is only possible when a Christian is truly of Christ when we commit ourselves to our faithful Creator. He is our example. Think of this: As Jesus died on the cross, he said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Jesus’ life and death is a testimony of severe trial that authenticates the gospel. Jesus committed himself to his faithful Father, so his testimony would demonstrate God’s character of love, mercy and forgiveness to the world. From the cross, Jesus’ testimony entered into Spirit-empowered churches.
   Now it’s time for judgment to begin with the family of God. People will know the character of Christ is the means of salvation when we, his church, testify to gospel, especially under persecution.