1 Peter Chapter 3
By Pastor Neil
Characteristic Behaviors of the “Christian Specie”
A good many very interesting conversations have taken place about this topic. When you see God’s people, are there things that they have in common so that we could begin to think that they are “characteristic behaviors” for those Christian people? In 1 Peter, chapter 3, we see some very interesting characteristics that the writer believes should be true of us. Beginning with verse 13, let’s take a look at some of them and ask ourselves some hard questions about whether or not we think we could be convicted of evidencing these characteristics.
Apparently the leading characteristic of us is that we are “eager to do good” and that it is a pretty good way to stay out of trouble. After all, he asks, who is going to harm you for doing good? Furthermore, even if you suffer for doing what is right, it becomes an avenue for blessings to come your way. Who would not want to be blessed?
One of the difficulties with suffering is that of fear. We are told not to be frightened. But when people or life gets “scary” what should we do? The answer is “in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord”. In other words, don’t think it’s all about you. Trust the Lord in your most frightening moments, whatever they may be, and you will find Christ present in the Spirit.
If people think you are foolish for your faith, hoping in the impossible, then we are told to be ready to tell people why we always have hope. The reason for our hope is Christ—that’s our story and “we are sticking to it”. And when we do “stick to it” we will do it with gentleness and respect. Whatever happens, when it’s over, our conscience will be clear. People will be ashamed for their disrespect of us.
We are people who choose to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Those are the choices of how we can treat those who mistreat us. Take your choice! If someone is going to give you a hard time, let it be for your doing good than doing evil and retaliating against them. Following Christ is not just about how you look to others, as Peter sums it up in this chapter. Following Christ is about living so that whatever you do, your conscience is clear toward God.
Above all, remember that is not how you act that you are saved. You are saved by the resurrection of Christ, in whom you have faith for your forgiveness and cleansing of your sins. In the end, everyone and everything will bow in submission to Christ. Why not get started now by living the life Christ wants you to live? We are, after all, the people who bring the living image of Christ to people as we live our lives of devotion to Christ.
