Don't Just Survive, Thrive!

Something To Think About "Don't just survive!", 9/3

As we've been working through 1 Peter at CBC, I've been struck several times with the similarity of the situation of  the people Peter wrote to, "who reside as aliens, scattered . . ." and the pictures I see in the news of Christians who have been forced to flee from their homes in the Middle East.  It is obvious that Peter cared deeply for his scattered congregation.  He wanted to help them, but not merely to survive; he wanted them to thrive in the midst of their hostile situation.  One example of this is found in 1 Peter 3:15. Peter is talking to folk who are suffering, in some cases not merely in spite of their good deeds, but, apparently, because of their virtuous actions.  Look for instance at 3:14.   In the midst of such fear-inducing unfairness the Apostle says,    “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (1 Peter 3:15)   While the word in the translation above is defense it is clear that Peter is not encouraging a hunkering down strategy.  Other translations use the word answer.  The Greek word in question is the word from which we get our word apology.  I'm not talking about "I'm sorry," but, "This is why what I believe makes sense," which clearly implies, "You should consider this as well." It kind of reminds me of the old Rambo movie.  The well-muscled Vietnam vet, who doesn't play well with others, shows up in a small town, where, to say the least. folk don't make him feel welcome.  Soon there are cops, guns, and dogs after the lone Rambo.  It doesn't look good.  Then Colonel Trautman, Rambo's former commanding officer shows up, not to save the former soldier from the cops, but to save them from the super-fighter. As I look back through history I see good evidence that these persecuted believers got it.  The enemies of the Faith did not stamp out the Faith.  On the contrary, this band of beleaguered believers so impacted that their world that we still feel the impact two millennia later.  We ought not to be offensive--make sure you read the "gentleness and reverence" part of the verse above--but we are to be on the offense.  Peter's good buddy, Paul, declared to another group of Christians who knew the meaning of persecution, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God"  (Romans 1:16). We are on the offense!. It's Something to Think About.   Here is an interesting picture of what is wrong with the world and how God's message makes it right.