Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “The High Road” – Sunday, 13 April 2014 - Scripture: 1 Peter 3: 8-22

Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “The High Road” – Sunday, 13 April 2014 - Scripture: 1 Peter 3: 8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tender hearted, courteous, 9 not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“He who would love life,

    and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil,

    and his lips from speaking deceit.

11 Let him turn away from evil, and do good.

    Let him seek peace, and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

    and his ears open to their prayer;

    but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”[a]

13 Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”[b] 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: 16 having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil. 18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

Footnotes:

a. 1 Peter 3:12 Psalm 34:12-16

b. 1 Peter 3:14 Isaiah 8:12

“The High Road” by Cynthia K. Stiverson

Always take the higher road. This advice often comes to mind when I am at a crossroads in leading or being led. This is the place to start if we want to follow Peter’s advice.

When in doubt about someone’s intentions, we take the high road by believing the best about them. We take the high road by going to the source of inappropriate comments or misunderstandings to uncover the truth of the matter. This is often the best way to avoid adding insult to insult. I know from experience how easily an innocent comment can be misinterpreted. Been there, done that!

We also take the high road by setting a Christ-like example through our own words and actions. Peter encourages us to “Always be prepared . . . to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (vs. 15-16).

By continually offering the high road to others, we demonstrate integrity. Eventually, they may even offer the same to us. Now that’s a blessing only God can orchestrate!

Hymn for Today:

“Open My Eyes, That I May See” by Clara H. Scott

1.  Open my eyes, that I may see

    glimpses of truth thou hast for me;

    place in my hands the wonderful key

    that shall unclasp and set me free.

    Silently now I wait for thee,

    ready, my God, thy will to see.

    Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

2.  Open my ears, that I may hear

    voices of truth thou sendest clear;

    and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,

    everything false will disappear.

    Silently now I wait for thee,

    ready, my God, thy will to see.

    Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

3.  Open my mouth, and let me bear

    gladly the warm truth everywhere;

    open my heart and let me prepare

    love with thy children thus to share.

    Silently now I wait for thee,

    ready, my God, thy will to see.

    Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Thought for Today:

“I am inclined to think that whoever finds redemption in the blood of Jesus has, at that time, the choice of walking in the higher or lower path” (John Wesley).

Prayer Needs:

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