APR 19

1 Peter 2:11-12
Memorise Matthew 5:16
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles”

When we are convicted of the idea that our lives ought to be lived as a living sacrifice unto God, we will quickly realise that many aspects of our lives need to be changed. We begin to see a wide gulf between the world’s principles and the teachings of God’s Word. That is why the Bible sometimes describes Christians as strangers and pilgrims. We ought to feel like foreigners, out of place in this sin-sick world, and understand that we are but pilgrims travelling through, on our way to our eternal abode in heaven. Our life principles, values and ambitions will also be vastly different from that of the world around us. We may still at times lust after the things that we see all around us, but our new man that is in Christ will war against such inclinations, for our desire is to glorify God and not to please ourselves.

One of the ways in which we can glorify God is through the testimony that we bear. 1 Peter 2:12 calls for us to have our ‘conversation honest among the Gentiles’. The word ‘conversation’ here is an old English term that refers to our conduct and manner of life. It is important to maintain a good and honest conduct, for in so doing we demonstrate to the world the effect that Christ can have in our lives. We show forth the fact that we are new creations in Christ - that our sins have been washed and our lives have been reformed. This is the very basis that makes our witness effective, for we show Christ to the people around us.

The result of this may sometimes be persecution. People might not like how different we are, and because of that they may ostracise, mock and humiliate us for our beliefs. They may even hate us and try to harm us for the faith that we hold on to. They will ‘speak against you as evildoers’, and try to find fault with you, just as the jealous presidents tried to do with Daniel (Dan 6). Yet like Daniel, we must stand our ground and never compromise, and continue to hold firm to our testimony for the Lord. The result of this is that, as we maintain this honest conversation and continue to strive to do good works, the very same people who persecute us may one day glorify God! They will continue to observe us, and realise that we are indeed different from other people whom they have bullied before. Who knows, they may actually make the first move, and come to ask you about the God you worship and serve!

Thought: Can persecution ever be turned to praise?
Prayer: Lord, help me to maintain a consistent testimony always!