Verse: 1Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Devotion
Do you ever feel called out for being a Christian and having different values than others? Maybe you get teased for not wanting to go out and have “fun” with others at places you know you shouldn’t be, doing things you shouldn’t do. Or your friends wonder about you because you don’t keep the extra $10 dollar bill that the cashier gave you by accident or because you are so quiet when others are talking trash about a mutual friend. Have you been called a “goody two shoes”? (That probably dates me!)
It’s so easy to compromise and go along with the crowd. Who wants to be the weird one, the different one? I know that I have been in these positions many times and have not always stayed true to my values. This section of scripture, from 1Pe 3:8 on, talks about suffering for doing good. This may be the only suffering we have to do for our faith. Can we stand up to the ridicule that we may have to suffer occasionally? How?
Peter tells us to focus on Christ as Lord of our lives. If we look to him for all wisdom, support, love, affirmation, then others won’t have so much affect on us and pull us astray. Then we can realize that our different values won’t just cast us as different but may cause some to wonder why we are different. And this can open up opportunities to talk about how Christ has changed our lives. That is why we are committed to good behavior. Peter tells us to do this with gentleness and respect because that allows others to hear without defensiveness. Such good advice!
So think about those times that peer pressure at school or work or with friends seems to pull you away from following Jesus and doing good. See those now as opportunities to represent Christ to those around you. Not only will you be making the world a better place, you may be changing someone’s life by bringing them closer to God.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for those opportunities to be your salt and light in this world. Help us to be strong and stand up to worldly pressures and instead do the things you want us to do to show your love for others. Give us gentle words for those around us that tell of your goodness and our hope in you.
Author: Brad Dunn
Recent Comments