It's a jungle out there, continued

Peter is getting a hold of us this week and reminding us of the importance of combining good behavior with thoughtful words.... please scroll down to the post from yesterday, if you'd like to re-read our focus passage.

We'll wait on you. I promise.
(Whistling)
Oh, you're back? OK!
Several times in this passage, and in this whole letter, really, the theme of good behavior pops up. And Paul often emphasized the same thing in his letters, too. These early Christians may have heard a reading of some of these letters as they were passed around amongst the early churches.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:7-14)

There are other verses in Titus, also, but I'll just put the references here for you, so as to keep this post from becoming too lengthy! (Titus 3:1-2, and 3:8,14)
Paul not only encourages good behavior, he also says don't be like this:

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. (Titus 1:16)

As believers, it's important that we deal rightly with each other, and with those outside the faith, so that the name of Jesus Christ is not dishonored.
Ummmmmm, if you don't mind, can we say that again? (It's important.)

As believers, it's important that we deal rightly with each other, and with those outside the faith, so that the name of Jesus Christ is not dishonored.
I'm sure that you and I both have heard about Christians and supposedly Christian organizations, who are shady in their business dealings with the world. Maybe they don't pay their bills on time. Or they try to cheat. Or they are dishonest. Or they hassle the person that they are doing business with.
Is it any wonder that unbelievers sometimes say, "I don't want to have anything to do with Christians!"
It's a bad witness.
Peter mentions having a good conscience. That's pretty essential to being an effective witness. If we know we are covering up sin in our lives instead of confessing it and turning away from it, then we certainly need to keep quiet about claiming to be a Christian! Every time a television evangelist gets caught being unfaithful to his marriage vows, or dipping his hand into the offerings, the enemies of the Lord have an opportunity to mock and blaspheme Him. It can be the same way at our place of work, or the gym we go to, or the book club at the library.....if people know we are Christians but see us living inconsistent lives, that's a terrible witness and an opportunity for Satan.  But if we live obediently in Christ's will, we have a good conscience that makes a powerful witness.

We've mentioned before that lost people are watching our behavior, even if we don't realize it. If we are eager to do good, especially when we are mistreated, it's a powerful witness. We don't have to be sinless -- that's impossible anyway -- but if we sin and then confess and make it right with the people that we hurt, well, that's a whole different ballgame! That kind of righteous life is the foundation for a verbal Christian witness.

.....like the one that Peter talks about:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (I Peter 3:15b)

The fact that they are asking means that they've noticed our behavior. They have seen us bear up with hope and joy, in spite of being mistreated. We've not responded with venom, nor with volume, but with gentleness and kindness. Sooner or later, they are going to ask, "Why? Why do you live the way you do?" So, Peter says, be ready to tell them!!

Hang in there, we'll continue tomorrow..... (Grin)