Living Above Reproach

Daily Devotional – Thursday, April 27, 2023
…having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:12 (NKJV)

Apostle Peter wrote to a group of believers scattered among gentiles and other Non-Christians. These followers of Christ were always at risk of persecution. At the very least, most of them would be accused falsely in order to ridicule their faith or to antagonize them with secular authority.

Beyond Criticism

As such, Peter counseled them on how to deal with false accusations, advice that is relevant to contemporary Christians. He wrote:
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11-12).

Beyond Rebuke

These Christians were already at a disadvantage as far as their societal standing was concerned. Because of their high calling, the rest of society was keen to see how Christian would behave and to criticize them at the slightest opportunity.

If Christians engaged in sexual immorality and other sinful practices, how different would they be from the world? It would only make it easier for the unbelievers to level more false accusations against the followers of Christ.

Living Above Reproach

On the other hand, if believers exemplified Christian values, the false accusations would eventually peter away. The truth would vindicate the believers, shame the accusers, and because the truth would eventually come out, it would influence non-believers positively and bring glory to God.

Peter’s message is that the world is watching us and our conduct determines how non-believers perceive God. Consistency in godly character is a very effective tool of evangelism. We must live above reproach if we are to deal effectively with false accusations.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to live above reproach so that I may lead my false accusers to You.