The Test

August 28, 2012

I read once about a fast food vendor who's main business on Sunday came from the local Christian Church after their Sunday Service. The owner decided to test the regulars. He instructed his staff to grossly over pay each customer when they made change and to add a noticeable amount of food to each order. Out of 30 or so customers only one returned the extra change and offered to pay for the extra food. Guess which church was not allowed to perform a car wash on his site?
— 1 Peter 2:12 —
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Peter's advice sounds like Jesus' actions in Matthew 5:16 — if your actions are above reproach, even hostile people will end up praising God. Peter's readers were scattered among unbelieving Gentiles who were inclined to believe and spread vicious lies about Christians. Attractive, gracious and upright behavior on the part of Christians could show these rumors to be false and could even win some of the unsaved critics to the Lord's side. Don't write off people because they misunderstand Christianity; instead, show them Christ by your life. The day may come when those who criticize you will praise God with you!

Have a great day. Honor God with your actions and words.
Marty