1 Peter 3:15-16

1 Peter 3:15-16 (New International Version)
15But in your hearts set
apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness
and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously
against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I have been watching the news lately and am horrified at the people screaming at each other over the health care bill. I know there are folks who proclaim Christ as their Savior in that crowd but I wonder if they've considered the above verse? Christ himself modelled how we should respond to those who accuse us - in front of Pontius Pilate at his own trial. He could have struck down every single person in attendance if that were the right thing to do. He answered the questions asked of him with the truth. In fact, Peter actually had the kind of response we might have in the Garden at Christ's arrest. But, Christ showed Peter that this was not the way.

May I implore all of my fellow Christians to take a measured approach towards everything in life - the latest health care proposal included. Read the text of the bill. When someone brings up an argument/issue, ask for the page number. Read it for yourself and weigh it against their words. If they are inaccurate, gently show them why you think so. Why? Because, as written in 1 Peter, it shows the nation we have a hope that is worth explaining, it keeps our conscious clear and keeps people from having any reason for slandering us as Christians.

John 21

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the
third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that
I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you
the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted;
but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will
dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19Jesus said this to
indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to
him, "Follow me!"
20Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus
loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at
the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 21When Peter saw
him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22Jesus answered, "If I want
him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."
23Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would
not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want
him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

I can't tell you how often I think of Christ's words... "If I want... what is that to you?" I can fill in whatever struggle I'm going through and if it's the Lord's will, what is that to me? What should it mean to me? So many questions come up. But - this very important walk on the beach with Peter has a lot to teach us - especially someone like me who is very much a Peter. Imagine what Peter has just gone through. He was a fisherman, he's called away to a different life, spends a few years with Christ, just to betray Him (in His hearing, no less). Then, Peter watches Christ's crucifixion, is in fear for his own life, and then witnesses Christ resurrected. Talk about struggles! And - where does Christ find him this day? Doing what he knows - returning to the way things were - fishing.

Then - Peter sees the Lord and is so excited to see him, he jumps off the boat to meet Him on the shore. The other disciples bring the boat in. The Lord speaks very bluntly with Peter, telling him what he needs to do, even how he will die. Then Peter does what so many of us do - compares his lot with another. The Lord isn't interested in how Peter is doing compared to John. The Lord is interested in how Peter is doing compared with what Peter can do. It's the same for you and me. We want to compare - be it personally, or with opinion polls, or what our friends are doing, etc. But - the Lord has a different measuring stick. Whenever you hear yourself saying, "But Lord, what about....?", remember his answer, "What is that to you?"

Finally, there is another thing the Lord told Peter - over and over again. "Feed my sheep." Very clear and concise. It was the thing Peter was to do. The Lord is likely telling us something very similar - clear and concise and in keeping with his will. Let's stop asking "But Lord, what about..." long enough to hear what he has to say.

I ran across this quote today that is a good summary:

"Forget your opponents; always play against par."
-- Sam Snead, professional golfer