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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 3:16
We live in a world of fear. Fear shows itself in a variety of ways. Hate, hopelessness, Anger, frustration, despair,, revenge and confusion are just a few ways we deal with our fear.
Most times, if not always, fear happens because the things being done to us, or the things happening around us are out of our control. Our reaction to fear is often an attempt to regain control.
When you believe in a Sovereign God, and live in that truth you are, in a very real sense, giving up that control because you realize your God is in ultimate control. Because of faith you can relinquish control to a loving, sovereign God.
Another thing happens when you live in the shadow of a sovereign God, your hope and faith is seen by those around you, and quite frankly it’s a little hard for them to figure out!
Peter writes to a people in perilous times. In his day, there was open season on Christ-followers. Yet he encourages them to live in faith and hope, and when others question us about our hope we are called on to answer in a respectful, gentle way. No judgment. No hellfire and brimstone. No verbal abuse. Peter was a firey guy. Yet he calls us to gentleness, as does Paul and Jesus.
Our hope will speak more loudly when we live lives in gentleness and respect. Remember, it’s God’s Spirit that wins people to Jesus, not clever arguments, judgmental attitudes or anger.
Author Jerry Bridges states, “Both gentleness and meekness are born of power, not weakness. There is a pseudo-gentleness that is effeminate, and there is a pseudo-meekness that is cowardly. But a Christian is to be gentle and meek because those are Godlike virtues… We should never be afraid, therefore, that the gentleness of the Spirit means weakness of character. It takes strength, God’s strength, to be truly gentle.”
Ask Holy Spirit to guide you into gentleness.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58
If you have ever had a puppy that you were training, you know the value of ‘treats’. Your dog will most likely do anything if a treat is involved!
The same is true for children. Teachers and parents alike will tell you that something as simple as a sticker will elicit proper responses to your requests.
We never really outgrow the need for recognition. Employers know the value of recognizing those who work for them, and their customers. Recognition, in its various forms instills value. Recognition builds a fire in those recognized to excel. Recognition gives us a feeling of belonging. Recognition boosts morale.
The opposite is also true. When we don’t get recognition for our efforts discouragement, frustration and the lack of desire to excel can happen. Lack of recognition is a real morale killer in the workplace, the family and any other relationship.
It’s easy to feel like nothing you do is making a difference when it seems no one is noticing. You may feel like people aren’t responding to your message. The work you do today needs to be redone tomorrow. With all the time and effort you put into a project, it seems like no one notices.
Always remember this. God sees you. He sees your efforts. He feels your intentions. He comforts you in your defeats and high fives you in the victories. Press on. Do what he leads you to do. Don’t be discouraged by the response you get from people, be encouraged by the one who has gifted you to do what you do.
When Paul writes this verse in 1 Corinthians, he isn’t about ministry, or service organizations. Elsewhere Paul writes, ‘do everything for the glory of the Lord’. He makes no distinction between washing dishes and laundry and saving someone’s life. The importance of what you are doing isn’t dependent on the recognition of fickle humans God has gifted you for excellence. Stay strong. Press on. Endure the struggle and celebrate the victories when/if they come.
Always remember. God sees you and appreciates you.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 