Read 1 Peter 3:13-17
Peter doesn’t “mince any words” here. The message is clear. We will suffer with Christ, and for that we will receive God’s reward. That’s the gist of this reading.
Have you ever ran a marathon or done any extreme sporting event in your life? I’m probably the most “unathletic” person, but I excelled at kick boxing and karate, ending up as an instructor in both of those mediums for a couple of years. I was fierce. All that suffering in the preparation led to great rewards. I imagine runners, especially iron man participants, feel such a rush of exhilaration at the accomplishment of competing and finishing the race.
Life is a bit like that race. We have a lot of training to endure. We have to put in the work. We’ll encounter roadblocks, bumps, detours, and dead ends. That’s true for everyone. For Christians, we have the extra dimension of taking blows for our faith. Peter was well acquainted with that reality, as were many first century Christians.
Peter had a solution for the suffering. Do good despite the consequences because it’s God’s approval, not the world’s, you’re looking for. We’ve already explored the godly or “holy” behaviors we should be engaging in. When we act in those ways, we can’t help but stand out as special, trustworthy, and likeable.
Having been a pastor’s family for years, we always felt a bit like being in a fishbowl with lots of eyes watching us flit from this life event to the next. I sometimes had a hard time with the pressure of being the “perfect” pastor’s wife, always wanting to draw attention AWAY from our household so the kids could thrive and be themselves.
It doesn’t have to be that extreme. Being “ourselves” is very attractive to onlookers when we love Jesus and seek to be his disciple. We’re able to go right to the source of creation with our problems, joys, and questions. When we truly appreciate the honor we have been given to be in relationship with God, the creator of the universe, we can’t help but want to act with reverence, awe, and worship.
People will be curious to know what makes us so joyful and good. Be ready to share your faith story and how Jesus has changed your life. Peter warns us not to go crazy with this testimony. He says, “But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” Again, we are meant to attract people to Jesus, not scare them away.
Then, there are the rewards! Just for doing what we already want to do in honoring God and showing our gratitude, we are given a reward. What a bonus!
Peter’s closing thought is a truth we can reflect on today. He says, “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”
Let’s pray. Lord, I know there’s the potential for suffering when I take a stand for you, my faith, and my reliance on your word. That’s okay because I can cling to your promised reward. I can look forward to time spent in your presence and celebrate each provision you give me. I am overflowing in gratitude that I have found you and can trust in you for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
