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 is going to like you, not everyone is going to agree with you, and some may even come against you. Walking with Christ is not for the faint of heart.
The kind of righteousness Peter refers to goes beyond an intellectual agreement with the truth about Jesus. It’s a call to a deep commitment to follow Him, a complete orientation of life directed toward God’s will that is highly visible and often draws fire. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) Enduring hostilities for righteousness’ sake requires uncompromising faithfulness to God despite every threat and pressure.
Peter readily acknowledged the fear generated by opposition, but in paraphrasing the words of the prophet Isaiah, he gave the needed perspective. “The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread.” (Isaiah 8:13) Then as now, a deep reverence for the LORD of hosts – the omnipotent God, the Holy One of Israel – banishes the fear of man.
Under duress we won’t always be fearless, but we can redirect that fear by sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts. This means taking a step back from the situation and enthroning Him and His will over and above all human authority. It means living to please Him alone – the only One before whom we bow. The result? An inner peace that no person or circumstance can take away.
– Pastor Jack
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