1 Peter 3:14-15
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…”
Walking with Christ is not for the faint of heart. It is a universal truth that standing for and upholding righteousness guarantees that not everyone will like you—or even be civil—and many will fiercely oppose you.
Peter readily acknowledged that opposition could generate fear, but by paraphrasing the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isaiah 8:13), he gave a much-needed perspective. In sanctifying the Lord God in your heart, you cultivate a deep reverence for the LORD of hosts—the omnipotent God, the Holy One of Israel—which will banish the fear of man.
Biblical righteousness goes beyond an intellectual agreement with the truth about Jesus. It’s a call to a deep commitment to follow Him, a complete orientation of life directed toward God’s will that is highly visible and often draws fire. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Enduring hostilities for righteousness’ sake requires uncompromising faithfulness to God despite every threat and pressure.
Under duress, we won’t always be fearless, but sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts redirects that fear. That means stepping back from the situation and enthroning Him and His will over and above all human authority. It means living to please Him alone—the only One before whom we bow. And the result? An inner peace that no person or circumstance can take away.
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
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