Doing What is Right (1 Peter 3:13-15)

SPIRITUAL DIARY

                                                                                                Date: 01-14-03

My Worship Time                                          Focus:  Doing what is right

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  1Peter 3:13-15 

Message of the verse:  13  Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."  15  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”  (NIV)  “13  Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?  14  But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry.  15  Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”  (NLT)

            Peter is saying in these verses that believers are to do good and right things in their lives and not to fear the consequences, but to fear the Lord.  In verse 13 Peter writes that if we do good we will probably not be harmed for it, but even if we are then we should do good anyway, and again it is because we desire to fear the Lord and to follow what He wants us to do, and to trust Him in these situations for He knows best.

            Another reason for doing good in tough situations is that it is a good wittiness to the unbelieving world, as Peter states we can give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but if you do not fear the Lord and give into temptation, then you will miss the opportunity to wittiness for the Lord.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I know that there have been to many times in my life where I have not followed the principles in these passages, and yet there have been times when I have and the Lord has indeed blessed my life because of it.

The Word of God was refreshing to me and it was also very challenging to my heart.

My Steps of Faith Today:  To trust the Lord to give me the ability to finish up the work that Sharlotte and I have started at Beth’s house.  To trust the Lord to speak to Mary as to what college He wants her to attend.

Memory verse for the week:  1Peter 3:15

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.