Live Like Christ

"Who is there to harm you if your prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame."
-1 Peter 3:13-16

We are not to fear anything. For even God created the sea monsters, and called them good. God created these people, He created those minds. But sin has preverted everything good. 

When we are threatened, harmed, and mocked for what we believe, we also have to remember that they hated Jesus before they hated us. In fact, it can be said that they hate us because we love Him. Whatever we do, we need to for the sake of righteouness. There is no other reason to do anything for the believer. 

We cannot fear others. It is against our nature as believers. For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of joy and sound judgment. We cannot be intimidated by anything. God can do anything He wants. Once we realize this, then we have no reason to fear anything that a mere human can do to us. 

We have to realize that Christ is Lord. We have to live out this gospel that we swear to live by. If we don't do this, then we can't call ourselves Christians ("Little Christ's"). We are to live like Christ. 

We have to be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks us to give an account for the hope that is in us. We have to, it is not an option, it is an obligation. We have to live like Christ so that people have to ask for the reason for our hope. Christ is our hope! If people ask you about your hope, you are doing something right. They are asking for Christ! 

We do have to do this with gentleness and reverence, or respect. We also have to keep a good conscience so that when people mock you, they are the ones  that are put to shame, and not you. 

Live like Christ! Spread the hope! Live in a way that people know that Christ is Lord in your life! Keep a good conscience! Do all of these things and your life will be much better. and the peace talked about in Philippians 4:4-8 will be ever present in your life. 

-Michael Chadwick

Co-pastor at Jenson Baptist Church.