Goody Two-Shoes

1 Peter 4:12-16
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. NIV

The summer between my 8th grade and freshman year, my life changed. At fourteen years old, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. When high school started in August, I looked forward to seeing some of the kids from the church youth group. Unfortunately, my joy hit a wall when another student, who I thought attended church, chose to make fun of me for my decision. I’m surprised that I didn’t find a sign that said goody two-shoes taped to my back. That was my first encounter with suffering as a Christian. For a shy teenager who made a life changing decision, the experience brought devastation and embarrassment.

More than thirty years have passed since then. I’ve learned that making a stand still meets opposition. Sometimes, I suffer. Not in a physical sense, but certainly on an emotional and spiritual level. At times, I’ve been patronized, ostracized, or simply ignored. But at the same time, I’ve also been forgiven, uplifted, and encouraged. The Holy Spirit rests on me and blesses me as he does all of Christ’s followers. So even on the most discouraging days, I know that God has my back and that He loves me. I praise God for his constant care.

By the way, the person who made fun of me in high school ended up renewing our friendship several years later. She found Jesus, too.