Live such good lives among the [outside world] that, though they accuse [us] of doing wrong, they may see [our] good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. (1 Peter 2:11–12, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world” (C.S. Lewis). We must ask ourselves if what we say and what we do are building blocks or stumbling blocks to nonbelievers? Does it make the Gospel more or less believable?
Yes, “preach[ing] Christ crucified [can be] a stumbling block…and foolishness [to an unbelieving world].” (1 Corinthians 1:23, NIV 1984). But if they stumble, if they ridicule Christianity as foolishness, do not let it be because of us.
My Advice – “In [our] hearts [we must] set apart Christ as Lord. [We must] always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] to give the reason for the hope that [we] have. But [we must] do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against [our] good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15–16, NIV 1984).
For it may very well be that “through the foolishness of what [is] preached [God will] save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21, NIV 1984). May our “good lives,” our “good deeds,” and our “gentleness and respect” add to the believability of the Good News. For most assuredly, lives lived poorly, foul deeds, and harshness and disrespect will detract from its believability.
The world is watching and listening. What is it that they are seeing and hearing? The evidence that they see in our lives may very well determine their verdict on the wisdom or foolishness of the Gospel.
The Brew Is A Musing 