1 Peter Chapter 2: Verses 11-16 (NLT)
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.
I’m very aware that once people who don’t claim to be Christians become aware that we are, they will be watching how we behave and react in certain situations. Peter was definitely aware of this too, and counselled the readers of his letter to lead an honourable life.
Because we may not agree with certain lifestyles and behaviours, people may point accusing fingers at us. We must be careful not to rise to the bait and take our stand in a way that does not inflame the situation. Jesus had many accusers and conducted Himself in such a way that those who wanted rid of Him had to do so using false and trumped-up charges. God expects us to do the same.
On the other hand, Peter reminds those he is writing to that we are not free to please ourselves; our calling is to do what God asks of us. That’s why we need the help of the Holy Spirit. But we must do our best to be good ambassadors for Jesus.
Dear Lord,
I want to be a good ambassador for You, even in the face of opposition. Help me to be guided by Your Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.