The profile of the people Peter is writing to looked a little different from ours. They were very young Christians. Most of them did not have an example of parents who lived a Christian life.

Many of them were slaves and we must remember that slaves were not always treated so well. Slaves were the property of their owners, and the owners could do whatever they wanted with them. Long hours and unfair expectations were part of a slave’s experience.

If the owners of the slaves did not agree with their Christian faith, they suffered even more. Hence the encouragement: ^19-20What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.

I can’t really imagine what it’s like to suffer for what you believe in. We’ve always lived in a country where Christian principles were applied. Many businesses allowed their employees to start the day with Scripture reading and prayer.

In the corridors of parliament, our Christian principles were talked about freely. At schools there was even a period set aside once a week for Christian gatherings and Bible study.

Unfortunately, that all changed. Christians no longer have the inside track. On the contrary, we must fight more and more for what we believe in. It’s no longer a given that everyone everywhere will make space for our faith.

I wonder how I will react if I was treated unfairly or even if my life was in danger because of my faith. All I can say to this is: “So help me, God!”

We can be grateful that we’re not yet treated like the slaves of Biblical times. It may happen at some point in the future, but let’s not worry about it right now. Let’s build that bridge when we get there.

However, let’s make sure now that our faith is strong enough, no matter how the winds will blow in the future. But more than that, let’s make sure that our actions glorify God wherever we go.

If, in good circumstances, we behave in such a way that God’s Name is not dragged through the mud, chances are good that when circumstances are not so good, we’ll live in such a way that God’s Name is not harmed.

But if we don’t manage to do it in good circumstances, it will much harder in times when we suffer persecution, or when things are no longer going well. It is not always so easy to reflect God’s light.

We get angry easily, and when we don’t get our way, we throw our toys around. When we are hurt or treated unfairly, we refuse to give in. Then we want to grab someone and say what we want to say.

Let’s practice now and make sure that we shine God’s light in all circumstances , and do not allow our actions to draw a line through it.

Scripture
1 Peter 2:18-21

Reflection
Where do you still lose direction?
Is it sometimes difficult for you to always live right?
How can you change this?

Prayer
Father, help me to live in such a way that I never put You to shame. Help me to remain humble and deal with unfair conduct as You expect me to. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.