Read 1 Peter
3:8-16. Remember that it is better not to take scripture out of context.
Who is there
to harm you? Proverbs 16:7 below is very encouraging. Even a person’s enemies
will be at peace with them when someone is pleasing the Lord. Nice. By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is
atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil. When a man's
ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with
him. Proverbs 16:6-7. We can only trust God that no harm will come to us if
we are being zealous—enthusiastic—for the Lord, pleasing Him. But let’s use
some common sense, too. If you put yourself in harm’s way as you are taking the
message of Jesus to others, are you being responsible?
Within
this passage that Peter wrote to Christians scattered around the then known
world, 1 Peter 3:15 is one of my favorite verses. …but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an
account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…. Be
prepared to give an account for your hope. People will ask you why you are so
happy or what has Jesus done for you? It will be a great opportunity for you to
tell them about Jesus. Are you ready? Can you tell someone what Jesus has done
for you today, yesterday, this week or this month? I hope you won’t use an
example of what Jesus did for you ten or twenty years ago. His love and action
in your life should be fresh. Look at what’s happening. What is Jesus doing in
your life now…and what are you doing for Him? Can you enthusiastically and confidently
share that no harm has come into your life as you have done something good for
the Lord?
Training Tip – Teach your children to share about what Jesus is
doing in their lives…and what they are doing for the Lord. They don’t have to
travel to Mexico, Brazil, Italy or India to do something for the Lord. Do some
brainstorming and see what ideas they can come up with to help others in your
community…and then choose one and do it together as a family. Safely and enthusiastically.
Lord Jesus, we love You and want to serve You day by
day where we live and work. Help us to enthusiastically share You with others
by doing good things for them.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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