Yesterday we had our regional Pastor's meeting. The day started off with a look at the following text:
1 Peter 3:13-17
New International Version (NIV)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats]">[a]; do not be frightened.”]">[b] 15 But in your hearts revere 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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
My italics.
We said a lot of things on this text: we will suffer for following Jesus because He overturns the values of this world; we need to keep Christ at the centre of all things, then we will act correctly and in harmony with His heavenly principles; we mustn't sin ourselves when hard-pressed by circumstances or persecution; we need have no fear (remembering that perfect love casts out all fear); and, in particular, there was a discussion about our main task as Christians. I highlighted the text : it's our testimony to who God is in our lives and from whom we get our hope. So this reminds us that HOPE is the distinguishing feature of all mature Christians. God gives us the rest: peace, faith and love.
