Should disciples of Jesus be exempt from suffering?  Peter paints a picture in which we should not only expect suffering, but embrace it in such a way that we are actually overjoyed when we suffer.  In our Post-Christian world we must understand that the kind of suffering Peter speaks of comes from living a holy life.  True change in our world will not come from trying to get “Pagans” to live according to our standards. It will come as we live bright, good, beautiful lives, sprinkled with sweet speech and good works.

Stop expecting those outside the faith to live by our ‘rules’ and instead focus on living the holy life that God has called you to.

What does it mean to suffer for the right thing?  Hint, look at verses 15-16...