“You
must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your
Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and
respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you,
they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong
to Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15-16NLT)
First
Letter from Apostle Peter (above) was addressed to Christians whom he called ‘God’s chosen people’. In this letter,
Peter want to give encouragement for the readers who were facing persecution
and suffering for their faith – and at the same time, he also urges them to
live as people who belong to Christ.
 |
| "Hey, you're different..." |
Here
I want to highlight this statement by Peter: “…when they see what a good life you
live because you belong to Christ.” This is what made the
difference from the persecuted-believers at that time from the non-believers.
This was what attractive to others;
‘a good life’
in the midst of hardships and difficulties – and may I say it here, this kind
of ‘a good life’
is also very attractive to our world today! God’s influence in your life is
attractive to others. Make it your goal that your friends or classmates or even
strangers are able to say, “Hey, you’re
difference from others. I see that God is with you. Tell me about your
Christian hope.”
While
looking for illustrations to strengthen my point here, I suddenly remember
about an interesting story that I read before [Pardon me, I modified it without
permission, I’m sorry]:
A
boy was selling apples on a KTM train. The price was only RM0.70. He walked through the car saying, “Apple?” And the reply came, “No” Another negative response. “Apple?”, “No, thanks.”He went all the way to the end of the car and didn’t
sell even one apple. Then he returned dejectedly and took his seat.
A
wise old man said, “Son, here is my 70
cents. I want one of your apples, and I want to help you sell the rest. I will
go up to the front of the car, and I want you to keep your eyes on me. When I
wink, go through the car again selling your apples.”
So
the salesman went and stood at the front of the car. He held up the apple, took
a handkerchief out, and began to polish that apple. He leisurely polished it
and then polished it some more. Finally he decided it was time to take out his
pocket knife, and he stood there leaning against the door peeling the apple.
The peelings fell on the floor of his feet. Then he took his knife and cut one
slice of the apple and put it in his mouth. He stood there, thoroughly enjoying
chewing that juicy apple.
Then
he winked at the boy. The boy started down the aisle again, calling out, “Apple?” “Yes!” came the first response. “Apple,
mister?”, “Yes, sir!” said the
next. “Apple?”, “Yes, please!” And he emptied the bag.
What made the difference? The apples were now attractive. What made
Christians difference from others? They are living ‘a good life’(NLT); "good behavior"(NIV); "good conduct"(KJV); because
they are “belong
to Christ.” D.L. Moody writes, “A holy life will produce the
deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.”
THINK BIG. Ask yourself this question, “How can I, as a Christian, have the greatest impact on others?” START
SMALL. Pray to
God, the Holy Spirit to teach and convince you to live “a good life”. GO DEEP. “You belong to Christ” – this is the
source of your attractiveness. This is our “Christian hope”.
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Reflection Series [CLICK TITLE TO READ]:
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