"The mark of a Christian is that he experiences deeper and greater joy in being dishonored with Christ than he does in being honored by men." John Piper 1984

I was reading John Piper's sermon given in 1984 that mentioned the killing of Chet Bitterman ( a linguist & missionary in Colombia) in 1981. I came across this online because Ricky was looking for a biography to read and I suggested that Ricky disregard the dorky picture on the front and read it anyway because he'd probably find it interesting (He did). Anyway, it got me thinking about the story of Chet Bitterman and I couldn't remember a whole lot of details, so I googled it.

It's good. And it brings up that theme again of being willing to die but not being willing to put up with normal problems in life. And that theme was brought up in a paper that Joy wrote for school that she sent me to look at...today! God is amazing--the way He brings things together like that. AND the same verses keep coming up everywhere (the retreat last weekend, this sermon, etc)
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a wrongdoer, or a mischief-maker; 16) yet if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but under that name let him glorify God. 17) For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18) And
"If the righteous man is scarcely saved,where will the impious and sinner appear?"
19) Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator.

I've thought that I might as well adopt these as my life verse, because it's such a recurring theme for me--that I don't want to suffer for sinning, if I'm going to suffer (and I will) I want it to be as one 'reproached for the name of Christ.' this motivates me to resist sinning (often, I know...not always) and it helps me accept whatever suffering God allows in my life. And now I'm noticing the words at the end (not sure which version was used here) and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator." -- I like that.