From a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor
Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL

“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:12

Notice the text says when (not if) they speak against you. 

The word of God is showing us that culture will not applaud us for following Jesus. Rather, the culture will speak against us for following Jesus. 

Juan Sanchez says it this way:
In the first century, Christians were called cannibals for eating the Lord’s Supper; they were called atheists for not worshiping the pagan gods; they were considered disruptors of society and rebels against the emperor. How are we to respond to such hostilities? We may be tempted to repay evil with evil. But Peter reminds us that we have been called to bless instead. So, as temporary residents in this world, we are to bless unbelievers by living honorable, praiseworthy lives that testify to the glory and goodness of our God.

Peter reminds us that the world is watching—constantly searching to see if we are worthy of the love, hope, and peace we espouse. In their own search for love, hope, and peace, they find brokenness because culture overpromises and underdelivers. But will they see the power of the Gospel when they look at our lives? Perhaps more importantly, will they know our faith is genuine in how we interact with them?

The Gospel illuminates our need for a Savior. It shows us that we can’t save ourselves and that, compared to a holy and righteous God, we are far more sinful than we want to admit.

So Peter says – when the world attacks you because of the Gospel, let them see your good deeds in the face of hostility. Let them see the shocking love and grace of God on display!

Isn’t this precisely what we see in Jesus himself? The cross is the ultimate example.

Jesus makes the most incredible statement as he is dying for the sins of the people who put him there: “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus is not just talking about those who drove the nails through his wrists and feet. He is not just talking about those mocking and hurling insults at him. 

Jesus is talking about you and me.

Our sins sent Jesus to the cross, but He willingly took those sins on Himself and offered us forgiveness. He is our example in the face of hostility when mocked and insulted. 

Jesus is our invitation to demonstrate the beauty and power of the Gospel.

I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to be more and more like Jesus!

DIG DEEPER
Read “Is Your Light Shining for Christ or Culture?” by Bryant Wright