WED NIGHT RECAP: 8/18/2010

Last night we studied 1 Peter 3:8-16. We see here that we are called to reflect God through service to others and that we are challenged to not repay evil done to us with evil. This is not an easy thing to do, to walk away or to love those that wrong us. It is too easy for us to lash out and lose control and do something we ought not to do. But when we do this, does it make the situation any better? The answer is usually not. We have to remember that as Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ and the kingdom of Heaven so when we “go off” we have to keep in mind how our actions reflect on Him. We also touched on service, and how when we serve others selflessly and willingly it reflects the passions and heart of Christ. We are willing to help or serve when it is convenient as a rule but hesitate when it involves a cost to us. In this passage of scripture though we see we do not have to worry about the cost, do not have to worry about the consequences because God has our back. It says He hears our prayers and watches over us and will be with us, and at the same time, those who would harm us for doing good, he turns his face from them. The last part of the lesson focused on living a life that is so above reproach that if anyone would talk bad about you, they would look foolish and be ashamed. In order to do this we have to tear down who we were and be built back up in the image of Christ. It is too easy to throw rocks at us without Christ as the foundation in our lives because we are sinful by nature. If you do things your way without Christ, you will fail and those that would be against you would have any number of things to use against you. But if we are really reflecting Christ, no one will be able to speak ill of us without looking foolish. Take the time to look at your life and see if you are above reproach. Ask yourself if you are serving others regardless of the cost. Evaluate your actions to see if you are reflecting Christ in how you live. We are all ambassadors of the kingdom of Heaven, how are you representing it in your life?