Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (vv. 13-15).
How can someone ask us for the reason for the hope that is in us if we don’t let that hope shine forth? Let us suffer well (and prosper well), that hope exudes from us. There should be something noticeably different in the way we carry ourselves. Our attitude as Christians should be completely different. Even in the most difficult of times, we need not fall into despair because we are founded on the Solid Rock.
Obviously this concept applies to more than just attitude. Our behavior can also either repel people from or draw people to Christ. Does your behavior clearly scream “Christian” to the world? Or are you no different than the average “good guy?” It’s not proof enough to the world that we don’t do what the “bad guys” do. Our lives need to be exemplary, our love extraordinary.
Absolutely Bri! Our lives should count for Him who has given us the privilege to be called His. Many times, Christians fail to recognize that our works aren’t the only thing that expresses who we are in Christ…it is our heart and the attitude we show in times of difficulty, sacrifice, humility, even pain. My desire is to truly exemplify Christ in my life this year. Shalom!