DAY 3: SUFFERING AS AN APOSTLE
Read 2 Timothy 1:11; 2 Cor. 11:28-29; Acts 21:30-36.
We have already seen in past weeks that apostles did more than preach the gospel. They were viewed as leaders of the Christian movement. As such they faced the hardships of leadership, which included suffering. How did they suffer?
I was watching a documentary on Martin Luther King, Jr. a few days ago – a man thrust into leadership, as one person noted, not because he wanted it, but because it seemed to be his divine calling. In the years that followed, he faced the scrutiny, threats, criticism, and agonies of leadership – leadership not for his own sake, but for the sake of a people unjustly oppressed. He worked constantly, traveled extensively, and sacrificed his health for the cause. His leadership ultimately came to an end in his tragic assassination. As I watched, I could not help but see the similarities of these two men’s journeys, King, Jr. and Paul. There was suffering caused by the opposition (and it was fierce!). There was suffering caused by internal criticism. There was suffering in the bearing of the pain and weaknesses of those under their care. No question about it, leadership and suffering are inseparable.
Has God called you into a position of influence and leadership in some capacity? Know that along with that calling will be the inevitability of suffering. We mustn’t be surprised. We will face criticism, unjust accusations, misunderstood motives, and the heat of consequences in difficult decisions. Whether it be at home, at work, at church, in the community, wherever, be prepared to face the suffering that accompanies leadership. In a few days we will look at how Paul was able to persevere under the weight of leadership. For now, however, stand on humble ground in your leadership roles. Don’t compromise your message if it is of God. Don’t settle for the comfortable route. Be willing to suffer as a leader.
