ODB: Be Who You Are
November 13, 2011
It’s better to suffer for the cause of Christ than for the cause of Christ to suffer.
READ: 1 Peter 3:8-17
Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. —1 Peter 3:14
While awaiting a routine medical procedure in a local hospital, I noticed a wall plaque showing Christ on a cross. Later, a nurse asked me several administrative questions, in-cluding, “Do you have any spiritual needs you’d like to discuss with a chaplain?” I said that I appreciated her asking that question, which I found unusual in today’s world. She replied with a smile that they are a faith-based hospital and “that’s part of our mission.” I was impressed that the people were not afraid to be who they are in an increasingly secular and pluralistic society.
Peter urged the first-century believers who had been scattered by persecution and were living in a hostile world to consider it a blessing to suffer for the sake of what is right. “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:14-15 NLT).
Just as the woman at the hospital freely stated their faith, so we can express ours. And if we are criticized or treated unfairly because of our belief in Christ, we should respond with gentleness and respect. We should never be afraid to be who we are in Him.
— David C. McCasland
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Lord Jesus, grant me the courage to profess my faith in you. Give me the boldness to speak about your works and who you are to others around me esp. those who yet to know you personally. Also pray that you will enable me to live out my Christian life that will impact others for you. Amen.