Sunday 23 Apr 2023

April 23: 1 Peter 1:13-23

Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

Devotion:
Sometimes I wonder what the world would be like if my generation was brought up in the same manner as children are nowadays. I see a very different culture but there is still the same undertones now as there were then – some children are obedient and others are not! I try not to judge people in how they bring up their children because I am not them and I do not know what life they lead behind closed doors – how can I make any decision on their behalf!

I have vivid memories of going for a walk in the evening with my parents and my grandmother and being told in no uncertain terms that children should be seen and not heard! This was not because they did not love us but because of peer pressure from society – this was the time of the day when people would sit out on their verandas and have a quiet drink…

Jesus was quite different in how He handled things because He did not give in to peer pressure but tried to make a difference wherever He went; not a bad influence but righteous acts which would please most people. I say most because there are some people who are inherently evil because they do not know any better – of course they will object!

Jesus wants us to be more accepting in our interactions with others, but also to uphold the truth and peace. He wants us to be more holy and less judgmental in everything we do… which can be very difficult at times! We need to be in constant memory of the lengths Christ went to bring that peace and truth and know we should be willing to go the extra mile to do the same!

Points to Ponder:
Do you think you are good?

What do you think God thinks of you – knowing He sees everything?