City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

¹³ Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 

1 Peter 3:13-15 (ESV)

The Holiness of God was revealed to Moses that he might be its messenger. The Church needs nothing so much to-day as men and women who can testify for the Holiness of God. Will you be one?

Andrew Murray, Holy in Christ

Reflection

The closer we grow with Christ and to be in His presence, the easier it will be for us to understand His glory and to live a more holy life. We start to be filled with a joy that overflows and it will become harder for us not to share this with others. How can we hold back something that brings us so much joy? This comes only from abiding in Christ and living with a closer presence to God through the Holy Spirit. We get to experience the Trinity and a want and need to share it with others.

This more than anything will allow us to honor Christ as Holy and to give a defense for the hope we have with love, gentleness, and respect. The less we abide in Christ, the harsher our words become and the more we tend to look down on others. This should never be the case.

Be zealous for what is good and praise God if suffer for it, because nothing can ever replace the joy that comes from God.

Application

The weekend before Christmas, my wife and I were walking in Hermann Park with our son. I saw people proselytizing and trying to share their faith with us. We had people from Falun Gong, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Muslims. No Christians were around. The Muslims were handing out Qu’ran’s and had a huge sign that read, “Prophet Jesus.” It made me upset and as we got to a place by the lake, I was silently praying for God to reveal Himself to this city and people.

As I turned around, two of the Muslims came up to us and asked if we wanted a Qu’ran. I told him I already had one and have read it. Then asked them if they had read the Bible. They had not. This gave me the opportunity to share the gospel message to them about who Jesus is, that He is God, and that we can find salvation through Him. It was my love for them that allowed me to share while God kept them quiet. He was working there in our presence as I shared in the power of the Holy Spirit. It reminded me how important it is to understand the Bible, be able to defend it against false accusations, and to be bold and witness to anyone God puts in your way.

So, as we finish this fasting week, think on what it means to be set apart. How are you studying scripture, understanding more about God, and to truly live a more holy life so you can share with others?

Prayer

Father in heaven, help me this year to dwell more in Your Word and in Your presence. Let me be filled with Your Holy Spirit and to study scripture, learning more about You each and every day. Let me grow closer to You than ever before. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.