The World is Watching

1So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.
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9But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
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11Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.  12Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
1 Peter 2:1,9,11-12
To be honest, I get up many mornings and grieve.  I HATE having MS.  I HATE what it has cost me, my wife, my children, and everyone I love.  Many days I’m in a funk and I’m not any fun to be around.  I don’t even want to be around me.  I feel even more sorry for those who have to be around me on those days.  These emotions cause a battle with depression.  These are not my best days.

When I find myself in days like these I’m reminded of Psalm 42 where David seems to go back and forth between praise and grief.

“Day and night I have only tears for food”
“My heart is breaking”
“Now I am deeply discouraged”
“I will put my hope in God”
“But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me”
“I will put my hope in God”

David’s grief and praise are intertwined throughout Psalm 42.  He has only tears for food, but he looks to God for his salvation.  He hasn’t forgotten where his hope comes from.

Peter’s call for us to live properly is only possible through the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit reminds us that we are temporary residents.  We are foreigners.  This place, this life isn’t our home.  We are here as God’s priests for those without hope, those who have only tears for food, those who do not place their hope in God.  They are alone and hurting.  They have nowhere to turn and we are an example to them.  

Peter reminds us to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against our very souls.  For me, depression wages war against my soul.  My finances wage war against my soul.  But Peter warns us to stay away!  Peter is challenging us to live true godly, humble, grateful lives, even in the midst of trials, suffering, or persecution. Circumstances, earthly privileges, or desires do not affect godly principles for living. Whether we feel we are being loved or cursed, we are to bless God. Whether we are embraced by those around us or persecuted, our life and testimony are to witness to the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.   Consistency in godly living, despite circumstances, is what we have been chosen and empowered to do and be.  When we hurt, struggle, and suffer the world is watching.  I’m not saying we have to always “keep your chin up”.  That’s fake.  The world knows fake, and fake does not proclaim the gospel.  We will hurt, struggle, and suffer.  We may forget that this isn’t our home.  I know I do.  Thank goodness in those moments, God extends grace to me.  “I will put my hope in God!  I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!" (Psalms 42:5)

--What circumstances are waging war against your soul today?
--Are you consistent in godly living despite your circumstances?  If not, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life worthy of the calling you have received!  Claim that promise today! (Ephesians 4:1)

--Zine Smith

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