Act Appropriately

Devotional Reading: ‭‭‭‭Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12 NLT‬‬

As followers of Jesus, we are ambassadors for Him in a world that doesn’t always understand or agree with our beliefs. In 1 Peter 2:12, we’re reminded to act appropriately when we’re with non-Christians, so that even if they accuse us of doing wrong, they will see the good things we do and glorify God.

Think about it like this: when you’re at work or school, you’re representing Jesus to your colleagues or classmates. If you’re kind, honest, and hardworking, you’re showing them what it means to follow Jesus. For example, if a coworker is struggling with a project, you could offer to help them, even if it’s not your responsibility.

Acting appropriately doesn’t mean being fake or trying to earn people’s approval. It means being genuine and living out your faith in a way that’s attractive to others. If you’re accused of doing wrong, don’t get defensive or angry. Instead, calmly explain your actions and show how they align with your values as a follower of Jesus.

For instance, if someone accuses you of being judgmental because you won’t participate in a certain activity, you could explain that your decision is based on your personal convictions and values, and that you’re trying to live a life that honors God. This can lead to some amazing conversations and opportunities to share your faith!

As we strive to act appropriately when we’re with non-Christians, let’s remember that our goal is not to impress people, but to glorify God.

Prayer and Confession
I declare that my life is a reflection of His love and character, and I declare that others begin to see Him in me.

Further Reading: Philippians 1:27, Matthew 5:14-16