Make God Look Good

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

From the first century until now persecution has continued to follow believers at many times and in many places. It has never been absent among Christ followers. While here in America, where persecution has been extremely limited, we see and hear about it in societies where it is unacceptable or illegal to confess to be a Christ follower.

The Apostle Peter wrote to Christ followers during a time of Roman persecution around 60-64 AD. His words of encouragement meant a lot to those dear saints, and to you and me as well. In essence he told them to live in such a way that their godly lifestyle would refute the pagans’ accusations against them, and potentially bring them to Christ — to make God look good.

Our marching orders are from Christ. We follow Him, and that should make us different from the world. It certainly did for those early believers who confessed Jesus as their Lord, and not Caesar. During those times, husbands treated their wives as they would cattle. That’s why Christ following men were instructed to treat their wives with dignity, respect, and faithfulness. Children were abandoned (especially baby girls, as was a Roman custom). That’s why Christ following parents were taught to love, protect, provide for, and emotionally nourish their children. These kind of things make God look good.

Throughout the centuries we’ve seen other ways Christ followers exemplify the goodness of God. When epidemics struck, Christ followers remained in cities to care for others, risking their own lives in the process. Things like that make God look good, and the world takes notice.  

The world still needs that kind of testimony — lives that make God look good.

Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12