"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."
1 Peter 4:16
When this was written, many new Christians were being mistreated, even despised, for their beliefs. The writer of this epistle was comforting them. He was reminding them not to be ashamed, especially if they were following the new paths of life shown by Christ and by those who were spreading this new gospel. Instead, they should rejoice in the new hope that had been presented to them - and while rejoicing, they should thank Christ for this new beginning.
Since that time, the clear message offered by Christ has sometimes been confused by those of us to profess to be Christian. There have been varying interpretations of the Scripture and division has occurred. Some persons wonder which view fits into their own personal Christianity. One has only to consider the controversies that have recently arisen within our Episcopal Church. When decisions are made within that church which seem to run counter to one's own beliefs, feelings of confusion, perhaps even shame, arise.
From personal experience I know that what's needed is further consideration of the issues and, of course, prayer. As a wise counselor once told me, how do you know that your view of a particular issue is the correct one. Modifications of one's theological thoughts are possible, when carefully listening to all points of view. If this example were followed by more Christians, is it possible that our diversity could evolve into reunification? I like to imagine that this is possible and that God would consider this our ultimate gift to Him.
Charlie Wolf
