“…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
1 Thessalonians 4:12
As believers in Jesus Christ and citizens of this world, we know we are being watched by others. It’s God’s will that this would be so. Jesus said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world…. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). Similarly, Peter urged, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12).
Remember that the world’s reactions to you and your faith are not the most important. Our chief concern is that our daily life brings glory to God. We may walk before the world, but we don’t walk for the world. When we live for His glory and His alone, we do win the respect of outsiders.
Do all you can to live as people whose true citizenship is in heaven. Be grace-filled, hopeful pilgrims. “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).
Remember that the world’s reactions to you and your faith are not the most important. Our chief concern is that our daily life brings glory to God. We may walk before the world, but we don’t walk for the world. When we live for His glory and His alone, we do win the respect of outsiders.
Do all you can to live as people whose true citizenship is in heaven. Be grace-filled, hopeful pilgrims. “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).
Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Insight
“We are the Bibles the world is reading; we are the creeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding.” Billy Graham (1918-2018)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 7-8
- Proverbs 14
- 1 Peter 1