AN HONORABLE LIFE

“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” 1 Peter 2:15-16 NLT

     To live an honorable life is to live a life that honors the one you serve.  Your lifestyle should stand out for all the right reasons and should distinguish yourself as a man of God.  Those who don’t know you or are anti-religion will accuse you of any and all falsehoods to tarnish your reputation.  If you are truly living to please the Lord than you are set apart from those in the world and people in the world should notice the difference.  For the ones who really know what you’re all about the accusations will fall on deaf ears.  Those who don’t know you will grasp at any reason to bash another Christian.  People who don’t even know you will show disdain toward you based on their own preconceived ideas and prejudices about born again believers.  This is truly their folly, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone.  Those outside God’s influence have been doing that since the beginning of time. 

     Scripture teaches us to submit to God’s leadership in our life.  Submission isn’t being denied freedom, but when done willingly, is the act of a truly free man.  Our freedom should not be a reason for rebellion or a license for sinning.  Christian freedom isn’t our escape from service but simply a change in masters, from Satan to God.  Whether you know it or not, if you are not in the service of the King, you are influenced by His chief adversary, the devil.

     “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.” Luke 12:4-5 NLT We should not live in fear if we are resting in the Lord.  Those who oppose us can do nothing to us that God doesn’t either cause or allow for our ultimate good and His highest glory.  Even if you were martyred for your faith, God would be honored for you were willing to stand up to the opposition in the name of Jesus.  Life holds nothing for us compared to the wonders of heaven that await us.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources:  Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible; The Reformation Study Bible; The American Heritage Dictionary.