1 Peter 3:16 – having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
“When you are slandered…” – what a statement. Do you notice it doesn’t say “if” but “when you are slandered”?
“Good behavior” in this verse is very similar to being “above reproach” – which is a requirement for eldership and church leadership.
I think it’s important to realize that perfection will never be reached by any of us. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That said, we can conduct our lives to where we are truly trying to seek the will of God, to serve Him well and represent Him well. To live a life of true success – a legacy of faith and strength in God.
But scripture instructs us that because of our faith, people will hate us. Even though that is difficult, we can also have peace in knowing we are in good company.
John 15:18 – If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
Jesus was slandered, people reviled His good behavior – but Jesus also has some encouragement for us to endure while the world hates us.
Matthew 10:22 – And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
We have salvation in our sights. Praise God. So, when people disappoint you, when others try to knock you down, when you feel your family doesn’t understand you, or the weight of the cross you are carrying just seems a bit “extra heavy” lately – press on. Run your race and fight the good fight.
2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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