Please God Not Man

"Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world." -I Peter 2:12

Many people, at one time or another, deal with gossiping friends, neighbors, and associates. While peacefully co-existing with such individuals who like to spread rumors or malicious lies can be a challenge, as the above Bible verse suggests, even if you are wrongly accused and the topic of a hurtful falsehood, let your focus be on God so your behavior continues to be an honor and blessing to Him.

This makes great sense since, after all, if we are expending precious time and energy needlessly worrying about silly whispers behind our back by those who may have issues of their own, then our focus is being taken off of where it should be: God. It is satan and those who are against Christ who want us to waiver in and neglect our faith.

The other reason why God reminds us to continue in honorable behavior regardless of what we are enduring or hearing from others, is that actions and how we live can be great teachers and tools to reach those who most need to witness God's peace, love and wisdom. We can lead by example.

It is easy to be good when everything is going our way, but it is not so simple a task when one is being unfairly treated. While your first inclination may be to return negative jab for negative jab, God calls us to rise to a higher standard.

No, you should not worry about what others may be maliciously whispering, but please DO be concerned that godly living and behaving is what you continually strive for.

God is your judge, and as long as you are living to please God, not man, you will indeed know a rich reward.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide," "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations," which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations.For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com