Wow, what an amazing verse. This week at church we studied the part of the sermon on the mount about turning the other cheek (eye for an eye). This was a great study for me and one that I had no idea would turn out the way it did. I teach often on Sunday mornings and this week as I prepared I was shown some things that I did not expect. It is so amazing the way God works and directs! I was really struggling with my thoughts early on and then God started directing me. I came accross this verse in 1 Peter and I just love it. I had not remembered it before, but it made such great sense to me and challenged me so.
(NIV) "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God and the day he visits us."
(Message) "Live an exempalary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives."
Wow, what a lifestyle. What a goal! I only wish that my life lived up to this!
Some things that I think are amazing about this verse:
1. Notice it does not say, live such good lives that they may think how great you are. We want our lives to reflect God. Who do we answer to? God or ourselves? If we do good so that others might notice how good we are, then we are living for ourselves. I only hope that my motives are pure and that I reflect the goodness of my Maker!
2. Notice that it talks about our actions, not our words. It is so true that actions speak louder than words and in situations where we are dealing with others, our actions should tell the story. I do think there are times when we must use words. Hopefully, our actions tell the same story as our words, only louder.
3. To do what this verse says, we must be commited to Chrsit and consistent in all we do. We must act the same when times are good or bad. We must act the same to beleivers as we do to non-believers. It seems to me that a good deal of the Sermon on the Mount goes back to Commitment and Consistency. These two things are a real stuggle in the daily life I lead.
When you get some time, read this verse and spend some time meditating on it. I was blown away! Let me know your thoughts by leaving me a comment!
Stay stong, PLD!
STP
No comments:
Post a Comment