Are we suffering for what truly matters?
Every day we are faced with proposals—career opportunities, new jobs, relationships, studies… proposals come in many forms.
When we say yes to certain proposals, we start making sacrifices to sustain them. We give our time, attention, and effort—simply for something that seems important at the moment.
Sometimes we do this without even knowing whether things will turn out well, yet we keep suffering, even when the outcome is not what we hoped for.
The worst part is that we keep doing it—even while losing ourselves in the process.
And that brings us to the key question: What are we doing wrong, and what should we be focusing on instead?
The Bible teaches:
“Dear friends, I urge you, as strangers and pilgrims on earth, to abstain from the sinful desires that wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)
To begin with, as human beings and followers of Christ, we often forget something essential: we are only passing through this world. Our “residence” is not eternal as long as we are flesh and bone. That is where the need for salvation comes in.
Many are not suffering or sacrificing for their salvation—and they are neglecting it. They set it aside, even though they know that true happiness and the greatest achievement lie there.
Why are so many neglecting eternal salvation?
Salvation has a price—this is very clear in the Bible. When the Lord Jesus lifted the cup of wrath, He did it knowing there was a price to pay afterward: the sacrifice He would make for us—to separate humanity from sin.
But for that separation to be real, we also must pay a price—with obedience, self-denial, and abstaining.
“Sinful passions” refers to all desires or impulses that separate us from God and are driven by the flesh—negative thoughts, anger, pride—all of which often lead to sin.
To abstain means to intentionally avoid or resist—it is an active and conscious decision. These passions may seem good for a moment, but in reality, they separate us from what truly matters: the eternal, our salvation, and God Himself.
So, I’ll tell you this: if someone does not have the certainty that comes from above—the peace and the fruits mentioned in the Bible—it is because they do not possess salvation. They are prioritizing other passions and proposals, and not what God is offering: eternal life with Him through the Holy Spirit.
I encourage you: if you do not yet have that certainty, focus—and seek what He has promised for you.
Do not get distracted, and remember that we are only pilgrims in this world. The eternal comes afterward—but it requires surrender.
Suffer for what has been promised.
May God bless us all.
