1 Peter 3:15 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.
Even when you use different translations of the bible we still run into words that we don’t use very often in our daily communication. I mean really, when is the last time you used the word “revere” in passing. I know my vocabulary isn’t the largest but I don’t hear other people using it very often! When you look at the original meaning of the word used for revere it means to sanctify. Sanctify means to be set apart. So we are told here that we are to set apart Christ as our Lord. Is Christ set apart in your life as Lord? Or is he just part of what you do on a weekly basis? Do you go to church every Sunday just like you go to the grocery store every payday, just because that is what you do? That shouldn’t be the case! Christ is supposed to be Lord, or master, of your life! Nothing in your life should be on the same level as he is. Not your job, not your hobby, not even your family! When we set Christ apart and make Him Lord of our life the other areas will take care of themselves!
The second part of this verse really stands out to me. At our churches we have been talking a lot about sharing our story, our testimony. I have had people volunteer to stand up in front of the church and talk about how God has worked in their life and let me tell you it is awesome! It is amazing to hear the stories of how God has worked in miraculous ways. As Christians we should be the biggest braggers in the world, but only bragging about what Christ has done for us!
God is telling us through Peter that we should always be ready, and I would add excited, to share our story with other people. I mean think about what God has done for you if you are saved. He has forgiven your sin and given the gift of eternity with Him. That is HUGE! I am sure there are other ways that God has worked in your life and shown His love and power to you in ways you would have never imagined before! As Christians we need to be ready to share our story with others when we are questioned about it.
In todays society I often wonder how people without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ make it through so many of the hard things they go through when they don’t have hope! Let me stress that the word for hope used in the greek here is defined different than you and I think of hope. Here the word hope actually means promise! We know that God is in control and that our future is secure in Him so we do have a hope that others do not have.
It is important to think about the fact that people aren’t going to ask us about or hope unless we are either telling them about it or we live so differently that they can see something in us that they don’t have or understand. Our life should be a walking bulletin board for Jesus! People should see it, be interested and want more information! When they do question us boom, that is our chance to share!
Make sure you don’t forget the last part of the verse though! Christians need to make sure they share their story in a loving way. Don’t do it in a way that make them feel like you are putting them down or making yourself high in might. Share your story in a way that reflects Jesus love for them!
Pray that God will give you opportunities to share your hope with others and when he provides you the chance take advantage of it! When you do this God will be glorified!