Insight for Today
A Daily Devotional by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Some of you have discovered that your close friends have changed now that you’re in Christ. Regarding that, let me first warn you, and then I want to commend you.

While we may live in this foreign land, far from our ultimate home, we live for the will of God. As a result, there is a marked contrast between our lifestyle and the lifestyle of the people around us who do not know the Lord. And when we don’t partake of that lifestyle, we are considered “weird.”

Those who are “in Christ” have been transformed. This transformation brings with it at least four benefits that Peter mentions. We no longer serve sin as our master; we don’t spend our days overcome by desires as we once did. We have closed the book on godless living.

When unjust suffering seems unbearable, remember the crucifixion. I know you’ve heard that before, but it is something we cannot be reminded of too often. It can be a wonderful comfort.

If God has called you to be a Job—a rare calling—remember that the Lord is not only full of compassion, He is also in full control. He will not leave you without hope. He offers us His promises:

Our response to unfairness, as with all other issues, is based on our perspective—the particular vantage point from which we look at life. Basically, in this case, we have two perspectives to choose from: the human perspective or the divine.

How do we determine whether we are grown up? Does it mean our hair starts to turn gray? No, that means we’re growing older but not necessarily wiser.

Look at 1 Peter 3:8–12, and you’ll find a checklist for spiritual maturity. It helps us evaluate how we’re doing on this pilgrimage from earth to heaven.

During the next week I’d like you to work on a very practical project. It will involve doing two things. First, write down four qualities you appreciate most about your mate. After thinking them through, tell your spouse what they are and why they come to mind. Give examples.

Staring in horror at the cross, one can’t help but become dizzy from a swarm of questions. Why? Why should this innocent man endure such unjust suffering? Why should we?

Do you have an uncaring boss? Do you have a supervisor or a manager who isn’t fair? Do you have to deal with unreasonable people? You may not want to hear this today, but there is a lot of truth for you in 1 Peter 2:18–19, none of which will ever appear in your local newspaper or on a television talk show.

It’s been my observation that when we’re treated unfairly, we respond with three common, knee-jerk reactions.

Possessions of the powerful, wealthy, or famous, no matter how common, can become extremely valuable, even priceless. Napoleon’s toothbrush sold for $21,000.

What is God’s agenda for us? What does He want for us this afternoon, tomorrow morning, or next week? Well, His plans for us are clearly set forth. He wrote them originally for Israel, but they apply to us too.

With the teachings of Christ and Paul as a backdrop, we are better able to understand and appreciate Peter’s comments about love and unity. Remember, he was writing to hurting people. They were scattered, many of them far from home (1 Peter 1:1).

Before Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States, he served as a major general in the Tennessee militia. During the War of 1812 his troops reached an all-time low in morale. As a result, they began arguing, bickering, and fighting among themselves.

The physical world upon which we have our feet planted is visible. It can be measured. It can be felt. It has color and odor and texture. It’s tangible . . . obvious. What is not so obvious is the system that permeates and operates within lives on this earth.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God would save us and then, within a matter of seconds, take us on to glory? Wouldn’t that be a great relief? We would never have any temptations. We would never have to battle with the flesh.

While most of us are not afflicted by horrible persecution for our faith, we do know what it means to face various forms of suffering, pain, disappointment, and grief. Fortunately, in the letter of 1 Peter we can find comfort and consolation for our own brand of suffering.

Joseph Parker, a great preacher of yesteryear, once said to a group of aspiring young ministers, “Preach to the suffering and you will never lack a congregation. There is a broken heart in every pew.”