When Light Meets Darkness

0:00Here's today's in touch devotion. Today's Scripture reading is 1 Peter chapter 3, verses 13 through 18. Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed and do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled. But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence, and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God,

1:02having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit. As Christians, we all like to be witnesses for Christ. If we faithfully display as righteousness, love, patience, and joy in our interactions with others, it's natural to expect they'll be drawn to Jesus. Yet while that's true for some, many have an opposite reaction. Jesus called believers the light of the world and said, we're to let our light shine so men will see our good deeds and glorify God. But He also said, for everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. Then he warned that if men persecuted him, they would also persecute his disciples. History has proven Christ's words to be true. He was hated and crucified. The early church faced intense persecution and Christians have suffered for their faith throughout the centuries.

2:03Yet despite all this, the church presses on and people continue to be saved. Even today, believers around the world witness powerfully through their response to suffering. Even in times when we aren't experiencing persecution, our faith can still unsettle those who aren't ready to face the light. When we encounter slander, mockery, or mistreatment because of our beliefs, let's remember that a godly response may be our most effective witness.