Be Prepared

I remember there have been so many times I’m reading through some blogs or articles online about the church or Christians, and every now and then, I come across one that is so blatantly anti Christian it hurts me to read it. It makes me sad that there are people who have so missed the point on what following Jesus is all about that they ridicule Christians because they’re uninformed or ignorant. And as much as I’m sad that Christians in this way are persecuted, there’s a part of me that wants to post on those blogs or comment at the end of the articles about how they are ignorant and foolish, and get into an online shouting match with them. But the more I think about it, if our response when we’re being ridiculed or attacked is to respond in kind, are we really defending Jesus the way he wants us to? Jesus doesn’t want us to defend him by attacking others. I firmly believe He wants us to defend His name by living like Him so that the world will see that He’s real, and that He and He alone changes lives.

Read 1 Peter 3:8-22

It seems that the believers that Peter is writing to encountered similar situations to what I see everywhere in media. Christians are being slandered and attacked because of what they believe. (I’m not talking about some of the foolishness being said, like Pat Robertson in regard to Haiti. For that situation, we just need to give him more grace and show the world that’s not how followers of Jesus think) But at times, the world is unjustly persecuting us because of who we follow. Peter writes directly to that situation. Reread 1 Peter 3:13-17.

Here’s what jumps out at me. Peter says in verse 15 “regard 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.” He’s saying, keep in mind WHO Jesus is. He’s our King, our Savior, our Deliverer, our Sustainer, our Hope, the list goes on. If you do this, then you should always, always have an answer to why we believe what we believe and why we have hope. Jesus in me. That’s the answer.

But Peter also reminds the believers to temper the truth with gentleness and respect. Yes we have hope, we have security in Jesus. But this isn’t something to flaunt or rub in the faces of those who have no hope. We have to speak the truth in love with those around us, even when making us suffer for Jesus.
Now, maybe you’re thinking I’m not being persecuted or ridiculed for my faith, what does this have to do with me? If that’s the case, take some time to praise God for shielding you from persecution. But here’s the question: When someone does ask you about what you believe, are you not being persecuted because you don’t have an answer?

But in your hearts regard 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.

Sunday: Pray for the Global community
Remember those who’ve suffered from natural disasters and are still coping with the aftermath. Pray for their aid and that they look to God for strength.

Monday: Pray for your relationship with God
Confess your sins to Jesus and pray for forgiveness and a changed heart