When you know that you are being watched, does your behavior change? Do you act one way when you know your boss is around, but another when he isn’t? When you were younger, did you act one way when your parents or teacher were there, but another when you knew they were out? Plenty of people do. We may think that there are times when no one is watching us, but as Christians, we know that the Lord is always watching what we do and how we treat others, and listening to what we say. In our Scripture today from I Peter, the Apostle reminds us of this, encouraging us to good behavior.
Today’s verses are a brief reminder to Christians of how, as followers of the Lord Jesus, our behavior should be towards one another. Peter starts off this passage by telling us that we need to be of one mind (vs. 8). He’s not telling us that we need to sacrifice being doctrinally sound. God’s Word never wants us to forsake good sound doctrine, allowing in heretical teachings, just in order to get along. However in other areas, in areas that are not fundamental doctrines, we should show love towards our Christian brothers and sisters. We are a family. We should be tender-hearted, kind, caring and compassionate to each other. Peter tells us to be courteous, and be friendly-minded to each other.
Do we see this type of genuine caring among church members every Sunday morning? We should see this, caring, not just on Sunday mornings, but throughout the week, as well. Way too often in a church, especially in larger churches, but also in smaller ones, as well, we barely give a nod of the head to anyone other than our special close friends, let alone know or care what they are going through.. How often are we feuding among each other over trivial matters, as any periodic church board meeting can attest. Christians should be examples of peace and unity, not disruption and disharmony.
How should a Christian act when someone does them wrong, whether it is from another Christian, or an unsaved person? God’s Word tells us here that we should not return evil or reviling treatment (harsh criticism or verbally abusive treatment) to those who have given that to us (vs. 9). That is not easy to do, as our natural tendency would be to lash out and give that person the same treatment they gave us. However, rather than seeking our own vengeance, we are to bless. We extend forgiveness, and wishes of well-being to those who have unjustly wronged us. Believers are to pay back wrongs by praying for the offender. Revenge is unacceptable, as is insulting people. Jesus wants us to act the opposite way that the world would act, which is how He did when He stood before the Sanhedrin and before Pontius Pilate.
Next Peter encourages us to watch what we say, to guard our tongue (vs. 10). The Bible continually warns us that it is extremely important to guard what we say. David gave us a similar message in Psalm 141:3, as well as James in his epistle (James 3:2-13). A response given to others in anger or in spite, or words filled with lies or deceit, will only cause dissension. God’s Word tells us that our tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). We can build up others by what we say to them, and even give them words of life when we share the message of Jesus, or we can tear them down and destroy them by what we say. Both our words and our behavior should cultivate and support peace and goodness (vs. 11).
Peter reminds us that God is watching believers (vs. 12). He will bless those who trust and obey Him, but He disapproves and will punish those who don’t. As Christians, if we willfully continue to disobey the Lord, we won’t lose our salvation, but He is not obligated to continue to bless us.
In closing, as we look over our Scripture passage again , we see that there are some key traits that should be in every group of believers. We should have harmony among ourselves, pursuing the same goals. We should show sympathy to each other, being responsive to other believers' needs. Christians should show love for each other, treating each other as brothers and sisters, being compassionate, sensitive, and caring for each other. And Christians should show humility, encouraging one another, and rejoicing in each other's success. Do we show these traits, both in our personal life, and in our church fellowship? Remember, the eyes of the Lord are on us.
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