I watched an interview of a very well-known Christian celebrity. This vivacious, talented woman was asked how, with her squeaky-clean lifestyle, she could be taken seriously in Hollywood (and even become successful.) This was her answer: “Do excellent work.”

Peter said something very similar in 1 Peter 2:15. “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.”

There will be times when we are misunderstood, taken advantage of or even abused for our faith, but by living faithful, competent, and grace-filled lives we can keep a lot of criticism at bay. Whether we are aware of it or not, non-believers have high expectations of Christians. By meeting and exceeding these high expectations we help ourselves and bring glory to God.

Peter explains his point further by noting that if we are punished for misbehavior, we can’t complain. That’s not persecution! If, on the other hand, we are mistreated unfairly, God Himself will take note on our behalf.

Living exemplary lives does not equal perfect lives, but it does mean that people can count on us. This is how Joseph found himself in charge of a prison and eventually second-in-command in Egypt. It’s how Daniel went from being in exile to being a head adviser to kings in two dynasty’s. It will always serve us well.

(For those who have missed any of the previous lessons, you can go to https://comethirstyministry.com/blog/ and view all previous postings.)

Week Forty-Nine

Day 1: 1 Peter 2:1-25 (Preparation for chapter 3)
Day 2: 1 Peter 3:1-22 (Wives)
Day 3: 1 Peter 5:1-14 (Woman in Babylon)
Day 4: 2 John 10:1-13 (The Elect Lady)
Day 5: Revelation 1:1-20 (Everyone)