Not About You
Text: 1 Peter 3:1-12
Theme: This life should be focused on how we can serve God and others.
Key verses: “…you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives” (v. 1-2). “In the same way, husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding…so your prayers will not be hindered. Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude” (v. 7-8). “…If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it” (v. 10-11).
What God said to me: Good morning, son! Glad you are making time for my Word this morning and for earnest prayer and journaling. Interesting how Peter frames this. Basically in a nutshell he’s saying, if you want to enjoy your life, then don’t make it about your life. If you want to live long and prosper, then you must be others before yourself. Imagine the level of selflessness is required for a strong-willed, intelligent and highly capable lady to cheerfully accept the authority of her husband. And why does Peter say she should do that? What is the one reason he gives? It’s to win over those around her who observe her pure life. Husbands are to honor their wives and seek to understand them. That means entering into their lives and way of thinking and trying to see things from their perspectives. It means thinking about their wives more than themselves. And what is it Peter urges “all of you” to do? –To be of one mind, to sympathize with and love each other with tenderheartedness and humility. None of these directives can be accomplished if you focus on yourself. All of these things require you put others above yourself and consider them first. Be careful how you live. Esteem others higher than yourself. Enjoy your life by dying to your version and vision of life. Live to love me and those I’ve placed in your crucified life to help.
What I said to God: Father, You are the One True God, the Maker of the Sun, Moon and Stars. Creation shouts Your praise and shows forth Your glory. Thank You for speaking to me so clearly through Your Word today. Help me die to myself today. Please give me the strength and holy unction to go and serve others and share Your love with those I connect with today. What a privilege and responsibility to serve You by showing forth Your praise and goodness to others who need You.