Category: Scripture

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Actions do speak louder than words

As I ponder on the teachings we find in 1 Peter I come upon these words from Peter:

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV).

Peter is telling his listeners to stay pure, abstain from doing wrong things. Why is he telling them this? He is doing so not so the people can be glorified, but rather so that God may be glorified.

You see, when we live in a manner that is consistent with being a Christ-follower, it is not to draw attention to ourself, rather it is present God in such a way that He is glorified by what we do. How we conduct our daily business, how we treat others, how much road rage we exhibit on our daily commute can all have an impact on others.
Our Christ-centered life is not about following a set of rules to ensure we are doing what we are suppose to do, rather it is about living our life in a consistent manner with how Jesus lived his life. Our actions should speak louder than words. Our action should be such that when people look at our life, God may be glorified. Our actions are a reflection of our beliefs and values, a reflection of our heart condition. Are you living out what you say you believe and value? Are you living out your life in as Jesus did? Are you doing this consistently? I know that I have areas that I need to work on, what about you?
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Where our HOPE lies

Times are tough right now. The economy is in a tailspin, unemployment, job cuts, recession, war, environmental issues, social issues. It is no wonder that a lot of people may have a sense of hopelessness. As Christ-followers we are not immune to these problems, we may even be swept up by them. Contrary to what some may claim, following Jesus does not guarantee a trouble free life.

Peter, in his first letter to the scattered tribes talks about standing firm in times of trials. It is not that we won’t suffer, but the suffering will help refine or purify our faith. What we need to do is set our hope on what Peter calls “the goal of our faith, the salvation of our soul” (1 Peter 1:9). Ultimately it is not about the here and now, but rather it is about eternity.

So what can you do now to prepare for the trails that will come your way? The solution is not to bury your head in the sand or run away from them. No, Peter tells us to “prepare our minds, be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be give you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13). Preparing your mind may mean having the proper attitude about the situation. When we were in Colombia adopting our daughter, there was a couple there who was just miserable. They grumbled and complained as the went through their “trial” of having to spend five weeks in Bogota while the adoption went through the Colombian courts. Their problem was they had the wrong attitude. The didn’t leave the hostel where we were staying, they didn’t take advantage of exploring the country, they simply chose to suffer. The time to begin to prepare for trials is not when you are in the mist of them, rather start right now. Spend time in prayer, spend time in God’s word, spend time taking the action you need to do to be ready.

We need to focus on our inheritance in heaven, the grace that Jesus Christ provided though his death on the cross and his resurrection, we are called to be holy just as God is holy. What are you going to do to prepare for your trials?

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1 Peter

I have spent the last couple of weeks reading and rereading 1 Peter. Its not that I am a slow learner, I simply want to get a feel for the book before I settle in for a more in depth examination. I chose this book as my next study because Peter seems to be writing the the same groups of people James addressed some time earlier. Peter and James seem to also be addressing many of the same concerns.

I invite you to read and study along with me as I begin to explore this letter written to the “exiles scattered to the four winds” (1 Peter 1:1, The Message).