DOING RIGHT

“Such is the will of God, that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish people.”—1 Peter 2:15

Peter lived in a time of change. The Gospel was being spread. But believers also faced attacks and criticism. Peter had learned that, from a spiritual perspective, many of these critics were foolish and guilty of “ignorance.” The world still is filled with foolish and ignorant people who reject the Gospel and don’t believe God’s Word. Many are convinced that it is Christians who are foolish. How do we interact with people like this? Peter argued that we can silence their ignorance by “doing right.” They are watching us, seeing what we do and how we spend our time. We demonstrate the truth of the Gospel through a changed life—through our testimony. This is a principle we can apply every day. It means that, in every situation, we do the right thing. We don’t just say we believe the Bible, but we put biblical principles into practice. We seek to be humble, with the attitude of a servant. We allow the Spirit to work through us to demonstrate His life-changing power. Ask God to help you do the right thing in every situation you face. Seek first His Kingdom. Humble yourself and seek to have the attitude of a servant in your interactions with others. Seek to be faithful and obedient, a good example. Demonstrate that Jesus has changed your life; He makes a difference, and the Gospel is true.

Reflection Question: How are you displaying Jesus in your interactions this week?

Today’s Bible Reading
1 Peter 2

GOD’S PRIORITIES

“I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that … they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God.”—1 Peter 2:11–12

As a pastor, Thomas Taylor observed how many Christians felt frustrated. Even though they had committed their lives to Jesus and said they believed the Bible, they still failed to experience God’s peace and joy. They didn’t know what was wrong. The Bible urges us to focus on God’s Kingdom and on pleasing and serving Him. But many believers spend much of their time thinking about the world. This leads to inevitable problems. Taylor expressed his insights in a hymn called “I’m But a Stranger Here.” He wrote how Heaven was his home but all around him was “danger and sorrow.” When he went through storms, he reminded himself that his pilgrimage on earth was short. Soon all of life’s troubles would be over, and he would reach home where he would be “at [his] Savior’s side.” This was a place of rest where he would join “those [he] loved most and best.” This realization gave him perspective. He had no reason to complain. And no matter what he went through, he knew he soon would stand “at [his] Lord’s right hand.” It can be easy to get caught up in the worries of this world. But always remember that you are just a stranger here and that Heaven is your real home. Make sure your priorities are right. Pray and seek God’s will. Commit your life to serving Him. Seek first His Kingdom. Focus on Him.

Reflection Question: What are your priorities, and how do you keep them in perspective?

Today’s Bible Reading
1 Peter 2