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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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1 Peter 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 behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
Peter was ‘Sold Out for Jesus’.
As with James, his Christianity had to have arms and hands, legs and feet. Unless you could put it into practice, it wasn’t the real ‘faith in Christ’.
He has been talking about being “set apart” in Chapter 2 and now he gets around to talking about work. Christianity is as much about work ethics as it is about ‘faith in God’. James reminded us that, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). So too does Peter. Don’t call yourself a Christian unless your lifestyle bears it out.
First of all, we have to recognise the leaders over us – Presidents, Kings, Queens, Prime Ministers and Government ministers (both national and local) and the police. Whoever they are, God sets them up for our good. Don’t get into strife with them through disobedience. Show them honour, respect and pay your taxes.
It never ceases to amaze me how many Christians hate paying taxes. I love it. It means I must have earned something. I’m helping educate children; I’m helping to provide hospital accommodation and services to those in need. We should feel the same about local rates. (Although we usually have to pay them, whether we earn something or not.)
Peter then moves on to masters and slaves, whom we can translate as employers and employees. Employers stand or fall before God; our role as employees is to respect them and do our job to the best of our ability as unto God, not them. Even if they are hard, callous and repressive, we are not to whinge or moan but to carry on in love and courtesy. That’s kingdom-building stuff, isn’t it? Not very popular either. (See also 2 Kings 5.)
In Chapter 3, he turns to wives and husbands. Wives are not to worry about dressing up and keeping up with fashion. They don’t need to be frumpy or out of date either but the important thing is that beauty comes from inner character, not external clothes and make-up. Most spiritual people can see through all that stuff anyway.
No, live differently. Put Christ first in all you do. Rejoice if you get criticised for doing so because it means you are learning to suffer with Jesus. If we live, as a Christian should do – even though we are criticised, it will still be seen for exactly what it is and it will have no long term adverse effect on us. Above all, always maintain your integrity.
Remember too, be ready today “to give an answer to everyone who asks you” why you are a Christian and particularly why you do the things you do (why you live out your Christian faith the way you do).
It will be yet one more ‘link in the chain’ leading to their salvation.
(Have you ever written down your spiritual life story? Can I encourage you to do so? It will help strengthen your faith and be a great blessing to others. And don’t forget to keep it up to date.)
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