Read 1 Peter 2:11–12
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
In the summer of 1805, a number of Indian chiefs and warriors met
in council at Buffalo Creek, New York, to hear a message by a Mr.
Cram from the Boston Missionary Society. After the sermon, Red
Jacket, one of the leading chiefs, gave a response. Among other things,
the chief said:
“Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the
Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ
so much about it? Brother, we are told that you have been preaching
to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We
will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon
them. If we find it does them good, we will then consider again of
what you have said.”
Peter encourages us to bear witness to the lost, by word and deed,
so that one day God might visit them and save them. When these
people do trust Christ, they will glorify God and give thanks because
we were faithful to witness even when they made life difficult for us.
Something to Ponder
Are you satisfied with the example you set for others? If not, how can
you improve it?