Obvious Truth

One would think that the truth is obvious. Unfortunately, it's not always the case. Indeed, sometimes what we might think is obviously true is not true at all.

We've all seen them, the ads for various products that kill germs. You can kill germs on people, on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and even in the air. That's good, right? One would think so, because, hey, it's advertised everywhere. But there is reason to think that this isn't so. I remember reading about a study where two groups of kids were observed for years. One group lived in pristine, basically sterile environments, and the other group lived in filth. It turned out, it seems, that the group of kids in the dirt ended up healthier than the other group. It turned out that the group in the less sterile conditions encountered the plethora of germs out there and their bodies figured out how to fight them. The other group didn't have that advantage, so they were sickly. It gets worse. Today, doctors are concerned about what they have deemed "super bugs", bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. How is that? Well, you've seen the ads. "Kills 99% of bacteria." There are millions of bacteria out there. So what about that not-so-small number that aren't killed? They're immune. And they breed offspring who are immune. So you've just eliminated 99%of their competition, and the result is a whole new generation of bacteria immune to the antibacterials you are using.

One wonders, at this point, if it is true, then. Is it a good thing to kill bacteria? Should we really be using all those antibacterials? What seemed quite obvious turns out to be quite questionable.

Everyone knows that it's better not to suffer than to suffer. Bad things happening to people is a bad thing, not a good thing. It is best to avoid pain at all costs. No one should suffer. Suffering is bad. We all know it. It's quite obvious. Or ... is it? Well, if the Bible is true, then we're going to need to rethink this point as well.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).

Odd ... that doesn't sound very much like "avoid suffering at all cost" or "all suffering is bad". Instead, it sounds like "suffering is necessary and provides an invaluable service to the Christian." But, then, maybe James was a loon.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, ⁷ that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-7).

Perhaps we'd better slow down and look at that one more closely.

Peter here is talking about our grand inheritance "imperishable and undefiled", "reserved in heaven" (v 4). He goes on to say that we are "protected by the power of God" (v 5). How much better can it get? So, of course he says, "In this you greatly rejoice" (v 6). But, wait! Then he says "even though now for a little while ... you have been distressed by various trials" (v 6). Please note. It is a given. Christians under the protection of God will experience trials. Please note also: I left out a key phrase. "If necessary." Some may focus on the "if". I want you to look at the "necessary". According to Peter it is necessary to suffer trials. The result is "proof of your faith" which results in "praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (v 7).

Indeed, Peter really hit this topic of suffering repeatedly. He seemed to think it was a given:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation (1 Peter 4:12-13).

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:19-21).

If you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:14-17).

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Peter 5:8-10).

In the first one he says we are to "rejoice with exultation". In the third one he promises that the suffering is "for a little while" and that, in the end, "the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." These are good things.

Look a moment longer at the second one. It says, "It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will ..." Peter isn't being vague. It is sometimes God's will that we suffer. (He says the same thing in 1 Peter 4:19.)

And examine the third one. The topic is "suffering unjustly" ... suffering when we shouldn't have to suffer. Peter says this "finds favor" with God. That's good. But more importantly, look at what Peter says about it: "You have been called for this purpose." Read that again slowly, because it is an absolutely explicit statement. Christians are called for the purpose of suffering unjustly.

The Bible establishes several things regarding suffering. First, it is unpleasant. No one should try to say, "Suffering is fun! Enjoy!" But, second, suffering is beneficial. Indeed, third, suffering is by God's design, part of God's necessary plan to mold us and shape us and, in the end, bless us. Now, if that doesn't put a crimp in the "obvious truth" that suffering is something bad that should be avoided at all costs, I don't know what will.

Sometimes we see things that appear to be obviously true ... and they're not. Be careful. Don't take these things for granted. Examine, test, review. The truth, when we find it, will set us free, and sometimes it isn't the most obvious.