Last evening I had a conversation with a friend about work and attitudes and work culture, and effort to be a Christian in a non-Christian environment. This morning when I opened my Bible, I felt like I should read from 1 Peter, and found myself reading about the very things we discussed last evening. I started in chapter 4, but turned back a chapter as Peter's comments in Chapter 4 are based on the previous chapter. Here are the verses that I am reflecting upon this morning - 1 Peter 3:8-17 NIV:
[8] "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
[10] For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
[11] They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
[13] Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. [17] For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
- and -
1 Peter 4:1-4,7-11 NIV:
[1] "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do---living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you."
[7] "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
This is just such healthy encouragement, and really does fly in the face of much of what we want to do, at least I should say 'what I want to do', when I am treated poorly, especially for trying to live a Christ-like humility. The world, and culture in the work-place, often doesn't know what to do with one who serves humbly, one who cares for others, one who doesn't put on a competitive attitude, or one who doesn't fight for their "rights".
At companies I have worked for, there has been, at times, a rewarding of the rude, crude, aggressive, bossy, commanding individuals, who are competing for the attention and promotion. In the world of sales, there has been, at times, encouragement to bribe, to take individuals to places of undesirable character, to swear and cuss, to yell and force things to get done. I have told that I am "too honest", and that I "cared to much" for those I managed. I have been asked to lie, and to present half-truths. It can at times be difficult to embrace humility and loving service in the midst of this type of culture.
On the other hand, at times, some church try to emulate worldly organizations and worldly ways. We have churches competing for members, churches who distrust other churches and speak poorly of their methods or worship, or whatever. We have pastors competing for bigger congregations, and creating their own "empires" or facades of holiness and blessed lives. We have churches catering to the wealthy, or showcasing their wealth with rich clothing and fancy cars. We have churches that seek to entertain and put on exceptional services where the congregation is entertained and in awe of their professionalism. We unfortunately have seen a fair number of pastors and church members who have somehow embraced what Peter says the pagans do. Lately, we have seen a number of churches calling down judgement on other churches or Christians who have a different opinion or attitude towards things like politics or the pandemic.
Somehow, we have allowed the culture of the world to influence the culture of the church, and it is not a good thing, in my opinion. Peter's encouragement to, "be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." is so important in our lives and life of the church! Imagine if all the Christian churches and denominations just embraced these encouragements in our attitudes towards one another, how much of an impact we would have on this world!
We are in difficult times and Peter's closing encouragement in chapter 4 rings true in my heart. We are called to "be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:7-11).
This is clearly easier said than done, but today, my personal encouragement is to embrace these words and to choose to be different than the culture I am surrounded by, allowing my pursuit of Christ to be evident in and through my actions, words and attitude.
Lord, help me to bring Praise to Your Name!
Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment