“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
1 Peter 2:12 ESV
Have you ever heard the statement “and you call yourself a Christian?” It usually comes from unbelievers who placed believers on a high moral pedestal and were disappointed by our conduct. But this should not be the case.
We are saved by grace and we have a new life in Christ, and it is our responsibility to let this show in our conduct. While we don’t run our lives on the opinions of others, especially those outside the faith, God cares that we have a good report among them.
In our anchor Scripture, Apostle Peter was admonishing the church on this issue. Even if the church was facing heavy persecution when he wrote to them, they were not to be found wanting in their conduct.
“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:7 ESV
In the verse above, Apostle Paul was listing the requirements for a minister to be ordained. A good report among unbelievers is one of them.
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he took it a step further by saying that it is shameful for Christians to sue each other (1 Corinthians 6:1-6). He added that it was better for a Christian to be defrauded by his brother than to lay their grievance before an unbelieving judge.
Dear believer, you should understand that you represent God on earth. In this fallen world, it is difficult to maintain a good moral standing. However, with the Holy Spirit’s influence in us, we have all that we need. (2 Corinthians 5:20, Matthew 5:16, Galatians 5:22-23)
Your church family is also indispensable in helping you live a life of moral excellence. In situations where you may be tempted to compromise, you can lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be accountable to them in humility and let them help you in your Christian walk.
As a child of God, you are held to a higher moral standard by people in the world. You should recognize this. God’s name should not be disdained because of you.
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 10:1-16, 1Thessalonians 3:1-6, Psalms 138, 2 Chronicles 1-2