Saturday 8 Apr 2023

April 8: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Key Verse: 1 Peter 4:2
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Devotion:
Jesus did not keep it a secret how we would have to face sufferings of various kinds just because we follow Him. The more we reflect Christ through our lives the more we will face opposition for simply doing what Christ asks of us. Nobody likes to be shown up for the things they do wrong, and living a Christ-like life will show up people around you just because people will see His ways through what you are doing.

People will try to tempt you into following earthly ways and will wonder why you do not join them in their wicked ways; the answer should be made clear to them so they understand why you choose to live the way you do. It is not your task to judge others or to shame them into doing or not doing something. It is your job to live more like Christ so others can see the difference and make decisions for themselves.

If we look into our lives we will see all sorts of things we have done wrong in our pasts and many of those things could well be worse than what others are doing – not because of the act itself but because of the intent behind the act. God wants us to continue to do what is right, but aiming to do what is righteous in all ways is a better aim in our lives.

Do not allow the world to convince you there is no sin when everyone else is doing it too – that just means everyone is sinning! Jesus gave His life for the things we have done wrong. If you have time today, spend a bit of time thinking of the times you chose to do wrong and what that did for Jesus. Spend a bit more time thinking of the things you do before you jump in and do it anyway!

Points to Ponder:
How often do you think before you act?

Will you spend a bit more time thinking?