TH E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
348
Lillian Palmberg
Vivian Fusby
NOTES on Christian Endeavor FOR YOUNG PEOPLE #
one individual causes suffering, for all (including Christians) connected with him. , 3. The flesh wars against the Spirit. “But we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise” (Gal. 4:29). Yet, just as at that time, the child of ordinary birth persecuted the one born according to the Word of the Spirit, so it is now. The world hated Christ
OCTOBER 3, 1943 W H Y DO GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER? 1 P eter 4:12-19 By Lillian Palmberg Introduction “I don’t see why this should happen to me,” is a most frequent reaction of Christians to what we call a stroke of ill fortune. The answer to that com plaint is, "I don’t see why not!” As long as we have perishable bodies, and as long as we live in an imperfect world, we shall all, without exception, suffer misfortunes and trials in vary ing degree. The number and the inten sity of these do not necessarily have any relation to the degree of “good ness” . or “badness” of the individual victim (Lk. 13:1-4; John 9:1-3). There is one difference between, the suffer ing of the “good” (more properly termed the true Christians who have identified themselves with the good ness of Christ) and that of the “bad” (the ungodly or unbelievers): only the former have the promise in Romans 8:28, that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” For Those Who Have Topics I ., CAUSES OF SUFFERING. 1. Our own wrongdoing. If we suf fer as evildoers (1 Pet. 4:15), we are justly punished. Such “wrongdoing” may include not only actual crimes, but also neglect or abuse of our bodies and unwise or unkind social conduct. Each type of behavior brings its own special retribution. Christians must beware of rationalizing every small misfortune or rebuff (perhaps richly
earned) as suffering for Christ’s sake. The suffering martyr complex is not a Christian attitude! 2. Natural causes. Storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, and other destruc tive manifestations of nature affect Christians as well as any one else; and death, illness, other physical and men tal afflictions, and material wants as sail them, too. The wrongdoing of even
The W r iters
October 3—LILLIAN PALMBERG
Miss Palmberg was born in Siantu, Shensi, N. China, of mis sionary parents. She is a graduate of the University of South ern California. Her teaching experience at Culter Academy and Westmont College enables her to understand the prob lems of youth. Mr. Colburn (B. Th. ’40 at Biola) is pastor of the First Breth ren Church of Compton, Calif. Having graduated from West mont College in 1941, Mr. Colburn is now president of the Westmont College Alumni Association. He is especially ac tive in conference work among young people. Miss Fusby (B. Chr. Ed. ’40 at Biola) is secretary to the Navigators Christian Service Men’s Organization. As a leader of Martures Bible clubs, she has had valuable contacts with young people. Mr. Wendt (Biola ’34) is pastor of Calvary Church, Santa Ana, Calif., and is a frequent speaker at rallies and summer conferences. Mrs. Owen (Biola ’33) is a member of the China Inland Mis sion. While in China, she was principal of a primary girls’ school, and a worker among young people. At present, her husband is acting secretary for the Pacific Southwest district of the China Inland Mission and she assists in this work.
October 10—RALPH J. COLBURN
October 17—VIVIAN FUSBY
October 24—LYMAN A. WENDT
October 31—MARGUERITE GOODNER OWEN
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