RPG Adults
WALKING IN MEEKNESS
MONDAY, AUGUST 22
1 Peter 3:9-12
Psalm 112
“This is my comfort in my affliction:
for thy word hath quickened me.”
WALKING IN MEEKNESS
In return for living a good Christian life, the believer may be insulted and dealt with in a very evil manner. But rather than striking back, we should instead return good for the evil done to us (1 Pet 3:9). The believer has a sure inheritance in Christ. As we live humbly before a world that ridicules us, show kindness to those who make us suffer, and live joyfully in a world of difficulty, we do so looking forward to the eternal glory which will someday be ours. As Scripture so beautifully states that “…our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).
1 Peter 3:10-12 is a quotation from Psalm 34:12-16. As we read these words, we must remember that we are being taught concerning living for God in a sinful world. The word “good” in verse 10 is not necessarily synonymous with “easy” but refers to a life that is fruitful for the Lord. And to “love life” is to look upon our time on earth as a precious opportunity to serve the Lord.
There are certain characteristics found in the Christian who looks on life in such a way. We must be careful in our speech, remembering that the tongue can corrupt the whole body (James 3:6). We think sadly of the many lives ruined by idle, untrue words, often spoken carelessly with no sense of guilt before God (1 Pet 3:10).
The Christian life is not just the negative of turning from evil, but also energetically entering into such activities as Scripture calls “good.” The true Christian life is one of activity for God (1 Pet 3:11). In order to be assured of answered prayers and God’s rich blessing, we must live in obedience to Him. To be disobedient is to be outside of the circle of God’s blessing (1 Pet 3:12). Unconfessed sin is a reason for unanswered prayer (Ps 66:18). However, we have full assurance that walking in the light of God’s Word brings close fellowship with Him and continual cleansing (1 John 1:7).
THOUGHT: Am I quietly endeavouring to follow the life of righteousness?
PRAYER: Father, may I learn to control my tongue.