(Another old post from the Multiply days, but the initial question is one I still ponder from time to time. Now, though, I realize that a big part of the problem is interpretation and authority. We need the Church to guide us in that reading of scripture and living out its precepts.)
What if all follower's of Christ read the Bible and sincerely tried to live out its precepts?
I read 1 Peter on the bus today and different verses just really stood out like: "[Have] your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between some labeled Christians and labeled others in ordinary conversation. In simpler terms, I am sometimes a bit shocked by the amount of profanity and vulgarity of some who profess to be Christians.
"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." What if we did make a regular practice of honoring everyone else? Showing God's love? Loving our fellow Christians? wow, that would be amazing. Gossip wouldn't go far. What about giving God the proper reverence and honour? I think that would create in me a greater love for the rest of humanity, also. I wouldn't think so much about little personal sacrifices as I would His glory.
What if we gave authorities the respect due to them? "Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward." You people, respectfully obey your authorities even if you think they are unnecessarily mean and harsh. That would be pretty amazing.
Look at our example, Jesus Christ, himself: "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:"
We are to bless, not to return evil for evil "but overcome evil with good"
So if we suffer, Christ suffered before us. We have no cause to be ashamed when we suffer though not guilty.
Part of all this is humility. I could use some more of that.
"the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion forever. Amen."
