Our attitude in giving an answer. The last part of Peter’s exhortation  concerns the attitude which ought to be manifested from a heart in which God is sanctified. This attitude is, fundamentally, one of meekness: a crucial aspect of Christian witness, especially in this context of “giving an answer.” After all, we can easily understand how “giving an answer” can imply superiority (“I know this, you don’t”) ‒ but the hope that we have as Christians is not something that makes us superior to others! In fact, this hope stems from the recognition that we are no better than others; if anything, we are worse. Hence the Apostle Paul gives the “faithful saying,” to which every Christian ought to subscribe (1 Tim 1:15).

 

Seeing yourself as the “chief of sinners” is central to the Christian attitude in giving an answer. We stand for and live out the truth of God’s Word; we proclaim that truth as it relates to all the deep and controversial issues of life in this world: not because we know more than others and want to show that off; not because we are better than others and look down on them; not because they are sinners and we are not! But because I, being the chief of sinners, wretched, depraved, and condemned, have found salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. Because I, once lost and confused, wandering in darkness, have found the truth that set me free. And now we want others to know Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

 

Dear reader, a lack of meekness, an ugly stain of pride, is the surest way to destroy your witness for Christ. Remember, the “answer” that we have as Christians, is not the product of our own ingenuity; it is God’s revelation! We are really pointing people away from ourselves; to God’s truth, not our truth ‒ and that really requires meekness.

 

As the Apostle Paul puts it, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without… Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col 4:5-6). If God is to be sanctified in our hearts, then self must be well and truly abased.

 

THOUGHT: “Boasting excluded, pride I abase; I’m only a sinner, saved by grace!” (Gray)

PRAYER: Father, keep me from pride!