Take Root #15

 Day 15

1 Peter 4:1-4

4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you; 

Peter seems to be saying that once you have endured something you don’t fear it anymore.  As long as you are actively avoiding persecution you are preoccupied by it…. but once you suffer, live through it - and then arm yourself with purpose the fear of it is reduced.

I used to be afraid of scorpions…but a couple of times in the last few years I have put on a pair of pants that had been on the floor and gotten tagged by one of those little suckers that were hiding in the pants leg.

It certainly wasn’t pleasant and it’s not like I go around looking to be stung, but it is kind of a “been there, done that” kind of thing now and the fear is no longer there.

It is a matter of what your goal is…if a running back is just trying to not get hurt, he will not be effective.  But once he has been hit and no longer fears it – his aim becomes the goal line. Spiritually - our aim must be the goal line.


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