1 Peter 3:14-15
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…”
Living righteously virtually guarantees that not everyone will like you or agree with you, and some will even come against you. Walking with Christ is not for the faint of heart.
The righteousness Peter refers to goes beyond an intellectual agreement with the truth about Jesus. It is a deep commitment to follow Christ—a complete re-orientation of life that reflects Him. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). As light dispels darkness, godliness is as natural a testimony as the sun at noonday. Your light cannot and will not go unnoticed.
Peter freely acknowledges that opposition from the ungodly may generate fear, but by paraphrasing the words of the prophet Isaiah, he gives us the solution. “The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary...” (Isaiah 8:13-14). If you hold in your heart a deep reverential awe of the LORD of hosts, the Holy One of Israel, it will put to flight the fear of man.
Sanctify the Lord God in your heart by enthroning Him and His will over and above all human authority. Live to please Him alone. Give God the glory due to His name for His power, goodness, and faithfulness, and you will experience an inner peace that no person or circumstance can take away. And He will be to you a steadfast sanctuary and refuge.
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
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