While staying at a hotel in Austin, Texas, I noticed a card lying on the desk in my room. It said:
Welcome
Our prayer is that your stay here will be restful
and that your travels will be fruitful.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make
His face shine upon you.
This card from the company that manages the hotel made me want to know more, so I accessed their website and read about their culture, strength, and values. In a winsome way, they seek to pursue excellence and live out their faith in the workplace.
Their philosophy reminded me of Peters words to the followers of Jesus scattered throughout Asia Minor. He encouraged them to demonstrate their faith in Christ in the society where they lived. Even as they faced threats and persecution, Peter told them not to be afraid, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
A friend of mine calls this living a lifestyle that demands an explanation. No matter where we live or work, may we in Gods strength live out our faith todayalways ready to reply gently and respectfully to everyone who asks the reason for our hope.
INSIGHT
When we think of Peter, we often think of young Peterhis rash denials of Christ (John 18:17, 25, 27), his jumping out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:2231), or his cutting off a servants ear in the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10). Yet aged Petermature Peteris a much different man who wrote letters to encourage believers in Jesus. The man who called down a curse on himself as he denied Christ (Matthew 26:7375) now writes that believers should be prepared to give an answer for their hopesomething he was once unwilling to do. Such is the difference the Spirit makes in our lives.
How has the Spirit been transforming you and helping you to live out your faith?