Represent

1 Peter 2:11-25

A few months ago, I was attending a meeting for the leadership team of the Alpha course that was going on at that time and, as we were wrapping up our time together, we began to pray for each other. One by one, we vocalized our prayer requests. There were prayers for healing, for guidance, and for new opportunities; however, when it came to me, I hesitated to share what was troubling my heart. My problem was that I was angry; I was angry at the world and at humanity in general. As I looked around, it seemed like all I saw was injustice, hatred, corruption, and apathy. I found myself daydreaming about how I wanted God to punish those I held most responsible for the mess that the world was in. Fortunately, God gave me the wisdom to avoid all forms of social media during this season so that I didn’t explode on someone in my self-righteous fury. Clearly, I needed an attitude adjustment.

First Peter was written to a group of people who found themselves in a precarious situation. They were immigrants and refugees fleeing religious persecution in their homelands, only to find more religious persecution waiting for them in the communities in which they had sought sanctuary. I can’t imagine what that must have been like—the fear that must have come from not only being an ethnic minority, but a religious minority as well! The conditions that those early Christian communities faced could easily have led to despair, frustration, and anger. Peter was aware of these conditions, and as a pastor, he offered words of wisdom and encouragement. Knowing that the pressures they were under might lead them to sin, he warned them to be diligent in avoiding the temptations of the world. He then urged them to see their trials as an opportunity and a blessing. The persecution they faced was an opportunity because it allowed them to model the character of Christ to the unbelievers who surrounded them. By showing love and respect to those who might oppress them, their lives became a part of their testimonies! He went on to say that the persecution was a blessing because it connected them to Christ in a deeper way. Jesus faced incredible persecution, yet he faced it with courage, love, and forgiveness.

My hope and my prayer is that as we face the brokenness of the world around us, we may meet it as those whose lives reflect the very nature of Jesus to the hurting and the lost!

Following in Christ’s footsteps,

Mike