Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of Jehovah. -- James 5:10, RLIV
THE right path is still the "narrow path" of self-abasement and self-denial -- the path of meekness and humility. It will require as much effort and grace to walk it this year as last, or possibly more. Indeed, the more we grow in grace and knowledge, the stronger will be the temptations to be boastful, puffed up, heady, high-minded, and the higher we climb in faith and hope and love and activity in Jehovah's service, the more the great Adversary will oppose our progress, and the more his emissaries will slander, backbite, and generally seek to injure us. -- Adapted from "Views in the Tower", ZWT, January 1, 1895 (now in public domain), page 3.
In those prophets of old, we find examples of faith, humility, meekness, obedience, patience, endurance, brotherly kindness, and love. In addition to the obedient faith of Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, David, and the entire noble list of ancient faithful ones who fought the good fight of faith with unwavering energy to the end of their course, we also remember Moses' unwavering zeal and loving ministry during long years of extreme trial. We must keep in mind that these admirable instances of devotion and faithfulness to God, as well as to his truth and righteousness, were formed solely in the moonlight of the law-dispensation. In light of this, reason proposes what the Apostle Peter also highlights: "what kind of people ought you [who have received of God's grace through Jesus] to be in holy living and godliness"? (2 Peter 3:11, World English).
The whole world, being under the present sun of vanity, is suffering in some way or other. Some may even suffer in upholding some principle of justice, while others may suffer in promoting forms of unrighteousness. Some may expect that when one becomes a Christian, that one should be removed from the suffering in the world. Jesus, however, tells us that any who follow him are called upon to suffer in his name. The Christian will be persecuted in some way above what is common to mankind, if he is actively serving the Lord Jesus. Through our sufferings, our faith is being brought to perfection.
Present sufferings also help prepare those being called for the work of ahead. We know Jesus suffered, and that he shared in man's infirmities, so that "he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God," so we also should learn from our own sufferings how to become merciful and faithful as our savior. This will make us more fit for whatever role God has for us in the Kingdom Age of bringing mankind back into harmony with God.
