JUNE 17, 2014 - DAY 7

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." - 1 Peter 3:12

This is my desire. I was God to look at me and be proud. I want him to be able to say to the angels in a proud voice "That's my daughter! Do you see her? I'm so proud of her. She is growing so much in her faith with me." 

Today's sermon was based on 1 Peter 2:11-4:11. The gist of the passages is that as Christians we need to submit to those in authority, live a holy life and love those around us. Whether people deserve our love and respect or not, we are to give it. Because this is what Jesus did. He set the example. He went to the cross quietly when he could of said whatever he wanted to the authorities. But he didn't. We might have to suffer under harsh judgement or harsh leadership. Maybe you have a mean boss or an emotionally abusive spouse. Maybe your neighbours gossip about you. Perhaps your government is evil. Whatever the case, God wants us to submit.This is a hard thing to swallow because reason tells me to fight back. But if that's what God desires, so be it. "For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" - 1 Peter 3:17

Again these passages talk about Christians living holy lives. We are to live differently from the world. They will mock us when they notice we don't join in - that's okay! The key is that we don't join in. That means not making fun of your boss when everybody else is. That means not complaining about your job. That means loving your neighbour when they treat you terribly. That means not saying mean words to anybody. That means not watching perverse things on TV or the internet. We don't join in. That's not who we are any more. We live for God now. We are strangers in this world. 

Would people be surprised to find out you're a Christian? Is your life-style so contrary to what we're called to live as? If so, perhaps you need to re-evaluate if you are even a Christ follower. If you truly believe you are, where is the evidence? 

Anyway, there's so much packed into those 2 chapters of 1 Peter and I won't rehash all of it. But the main point is this, we're to live as Christ lived. We're not to live as those in the world. Submit to those above you. Love those around you. Live a life of good deeds that people can't blame you for anything. Suffer for doing good. Basically...be like Jesus.

Good stuff in 1 Peter. It flows so much more nicely then I first thought. Listening to sermons really help me to understand it all.