1 Peter 4:14 KJV
[14] “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”
The word “Christian” is found only three times in the Bible and was given to early believers by the enemies of the church. It was not a title esteemed to be great but given to bring mockery and shame. As the world mocked early believers for being Christians, it would later become an honor to be called one. Believers were so happy to be identified with Christ and His suffering that it was seen as an honor when the world mocked them for being what they called a Christian.
What is interesting about modern society is that they no longer point out people as being Christians. Believers call themselves Christians as the world sits back and watches to see if they are genuine. Perhaps much of the world has a clouded view of what true Christianity is because many claim it but don’t live it. Another disturbing thought is the fact that some who claim Christianity find no happiness or joy in spiritual things but find excitement in the carnal things of this world. The world has difficulty figuring out if an individual is a Christian when they see them very committed to the world and uncommitted to the things of Christ.
One thing for sure is that real Christians are the happiest people you will ever meet. Even in their trials, they seemingly find joy. That explains how they could go to prison and death without murmuring or complaining. That is why they could sing praises to God as the flames would engulf their bodies at the stake. It reveals the courage they had while facing an angry mob in an arena as they encountered the attacks of wild beasts. One of the best biblical examples would be Stephen in the Book of Acts. As the world stoned him and gnashed on him with their teeth, he saw Jesus and left this world a happy man.
The most unhappy person I have encountered was not a lost person but a saved person in a backslidden condition. Dear reader, are you happy in Jesus? Do you have the joy of the Lord? We often see people in church who claim to be Christians, yet they continually murmur and complain. If they are unhappy in life with no suffering, how would they react to real persecution? Spirit-filled people are happy because the Spirit produces joy regardless of their circumstances.