We can resist the natural man without acting like martyrs.
After being imprisoned in Jerusalem for performing miracles in the name of Jesus, an angel freed Peter and John, then commanded them to go to the temple “to tell the people all the words of life” (Acts 5:19-20). When the ruling council discovered the apostles had escaped, the Sadducees sent officers to re-arrest them. In a childish rebuke, the high priest warned Peter, “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in his name? And behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us?” (Acts 5:28). The reference to “this man” is Jesus. As Peter’s testimony of Jesus cut them to the heart, the council plotted to slay John and Peter. At the intercession of a lawyer named Gamaliel, the council decided to let them go…after a beating.
The beating accomplished, Peter and John rejoiced in suffering for the cause of Christ: “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). How many of us, even dedicated members of the Church, would “rejoice” at such physical and emotional abuse? What a marvelous illustration, not of martyrdom, but of gratitude centered in the Savior’s love. Peter’s demeanor demonstrates how we can find joy in resisting the world by remaining true to true principles.
Even loyal Peter had earlier wavered at an important hour when accused of being a close confidant of Jesus, as he insisted, “I know not the man” (Matt. 26:74). Peter’s love for Jesus hadn’t soured before the cock crowed, it had only been shackled by fear. Fear of men often causes paralysis of action, even when love yearns to do the right thing.
“Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). What is “perfect love”? It is not only a willingness to lay down one’s life for another, but a willingness to live one’s life through another–by emulating Jesus–despite opposition. In some ways the vicarious life of a modern Christian is more difficult than the life of the early disciples. We are not required, as was Joseph Smith, to suffer true martyrdom for Christ, nor do most of us take beatings for teaching the gospel like Peter and John. But consider the unique challenges we face in the beat-down attack of modern life. Our opposition is a well-funded crescendo of volume. For example:
1. Those who clamor for carnality in the name of tolerance, but refuse responsibility for its unchecked genetic growth spurts;
2. Those vocal in imposing “choice” on those least able to choose;
3. Those who lament disease that infects the body, while infecting us with disease which corrupts the soul;
4. Those who flood the e-ways with a cascade of filth, then feign surprise when the ravaged topsoil produces anemic crops that sicken its malnourished victims;
5. Those who shout to protect our children, but are mute to nurturing them within the most nurturing environment of traditional marriage;
6. Those who mock faith, but hope for better weather over their playground dens of diversion.
Enduring the world’s crosses and despising the shame of it (2 Ne. 9:18) requires active resistance, not modern martyrdom. When we are true to our principles, we should rejoice in the privilege of focusing on the tree of life despite the world’s pointing fingers. There is no need for disciples to exhibit a dour demeanor or hang our heads with a look-at-me-suffer attitude. The shame of guilt cuts the guilty to the quick, but shame in the name of Jesus is a unique privilege. It is covenant-keeping amid the natural man’s tantrums for attention.
When the world bites back as we evict its squatters from sacred ground, remember that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). We need not suffer physical beatings like Peter and John to be counted as Christ’s disciples. But like them, we can rejoice in knowing that we do not count the cost of discipleship as we resist and overcome the natural man.
The love Jesus offers us conquers fear. His love sets the pattern for our mortal demeanor. Protected and inspired, we should rejoice in the privilege of overcoming the shame of the world, not through martyrdom, but by remaining true to the faith. Besides, Christ did not leave us comfortless. (John 14:18). In the patchwork imitation of the world’s twisted tapestry, there is no shame in the comforting blanket of the Comforter.
