Opportunity for a humble witness
1 Peter 3:13-17
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Undeserved tough stuff can be God’s will for us. This means we may experience opposition and trouble for actually doing the right thing. When unjustly suffering, to make the most of a hopeful witness, Peter urges that we prepare.
Important INTERNAL preparation is required. “Honor Christ the Lord as holy.” The sense here is that the Lordship of Jesus Christ to us must be uniquely reverenced deep inside our personal value set. He is Lord, and living for Him in any situation is more important than anything else. Paul said, “We (always) make it our aim to please Him” (2 Cor.5:9). There is a coming evaluation regarding our compliance with His Lordship (5:10).
Important VERBAL preparation is required. “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” It is surprising how often Christians are verbally unprepared to be clear with others about the hope we have in Christ. Few memorize any Scripture about the certainty and power of our hope. Few have a clear-eyed focus on what’s ahead in Christ. Such unreadiness begs for intentionality. Are you ready to be positive and clear-cut about why unmerited trouble does not dim your view?
Important HUMILITY preparation is required. “Do it with gentleness and respect.” How easy it can be to become proud of our humility. Living in God’s will is a sobering privilege, a joy to be relished, and a remarkable hope to be offered, while keeping the spotlight on the Savior