December 20, 2017. 1 Peter 1-5.

 

Can we all just agree that the world is not going the way that we each think it should be?  When freedom of religion is being threatened in the country that was founded and fought relentlessly for that freedom, things are looking pretty grim.  You may feel constantly bombarded with such devastating news it really is almost unbearable.  So how do you live a life that is pleasing to God in a world that feels like it is going down in flames, and fast?

Believe it or not, God has instructions for these very issues.

1. Submitting to Authority

Whether it be the president, the government, police, your boss, or any other authority in your life; here’s what the Lord has to say:

(1 Peter 2:13-15) 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 

2. Societal Norms

Serving God definitely is not mainstream.  The world praises people living in sin for their “bravery” and ridicules those who stand strong in their faith.  But take heart:

(1 Peter 2:12) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

3. Suffering

Whatever you may be going through, let it be an opportunity to be an example of Christ.

(1 Peter 2:19-21) 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Today, this week, and for years to come; when circumstances arise that you just want to shout from the rooftops your frustration and complaints, look at it instead as an opportunity to show Christ because life is not going to get any easier (in fact it will probably only get worse).  They say practice makes perfect, so start practicing today.  The world may not accept your faith, but make it impossible for them to deny there is something different about you and how you handle this crazy world and the fireballs it throws your way.