Word@Work 1Pet51 - 1 Peter 4:3-4
Published: Mon, 07/06/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ENOUGH WRONG NORMALITY
1 Peter 4:3-4 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. (NIV)
'Normal' is a strange English word. Mathematically, it means 'forming a right angle'. Scientifically it means 'conforming to scientific laws'. Chemically, it defines the strength of a solution. Statistically it can mean a mode or an average. Biologically it describes an organism working without any defect. Now, all those definitions assume that something is absolutely right and true. However, socially, 'normal' means 'what is usual' - and that is assumed to be 'what is right' ... even when it is wrong according to God.
When people refuse to obey the only God who can save them, they will trade in whatever pleases their sinful nature. They may be sophisticated; but sensuality, alcohol, drugs, and immorality can soon become normal, even though they are wrong. When such errors become embedded in a society: those who have no relationship with God through Jesus Christ often become hostile to the follower of Jesus. The first hostility is social isolation; the Christian is considered strange. Your refusal to immerse yourself in behaviour that offends God is offensive to those who want everybody to approve of their lifestyle. The second act of hostility is to ridicule your faith and abuse your God-fearing nature. Systematic bullying and even physical persecution may not be far behind.
Whatever the world says, it is God's Word which defines what is normal. Christians who are tempted to go back to dark ways must realise that enough is enough - the wasted years must not be repeated. Peter wanted to reassure his readers that such attacks were to be expected. They were not a sign of God's indifference but a reminder of the corruption that is in the world: a world, which will be judged by Him one day. In the meantime, however your family or colleagues treat you; remember that the Lord Jesus also suffered at the hands of people who were convinced that they were right, even though they were totally wrong. Our responsibility is simply to please our Saviour and leave the consequences in His hands.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for this reminder that personal hostility against me, for obeying You, may be expected at some time. Please help me to stay true to your Word and to resist the pressure to conform to the world. May my fellowship with other believers at work help support me and them to follow Jesus without compromise. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
'Normal' is a strange English word. Mathematically, it means 'forming a right angle'. Scientifically it means 'conforming to scientific laws'. Chemically, it defines the strength of a solution. Statistically it can mean a mode or an average. Biologically it describes an organism working without any defect. Now, all those definitions assume that something is absolutely right and true. However, socially, 'normal' means 'what is usual' - and that is assumed to be 'what is right' ... even when it is wrong according to God.
When people refuse to obey the only God who can save them, they will trade in whatever pleases their sinful nature. They may be sophisticated; but sensuality, alcohol, drugs, and immorality can soon become normal, even though they are wrong. When such errors become embedded in a society: those who have no relationship with God through Jesus Christ often become hostile to the follower of Jesus. The first hostility is social isolation; the Christian is considered strange. Your refusal to immerse yourself in behaviour that offends God is offensive to those who want everybody to approve of their lifestyle. The second act of hostility is to ridicule your faith and abuse your God-fearing nature. Systematic bullying and even physical persecution may not be far behind.
Whatever the world says, it is God's Word which defines what is normal. Christians who are tempted to go back to dark ways must realise that enough is enough - the wasted years must not be repeated. Peter wanted to reassure his readers that such attacks were to be expected. They were not a sign of God's indifference but a reminder of the corruption that is in the world: a world, which will be judged by Him one day. In the meantime, however your family or colleagues treat you; remember that the Lord Jesus also suffered at the hands of people who were convinced that they were right, even though they were totally wrong. Our responsibility is simply to please our Saviour and leave the consequences in His hands.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you for this reminder that personal hostility against me, for obeying You, may be expected at some time. Please help me to stay true to your Word and to resist the pressure to conform to the world. May my fellowship with other believers at work help support me and them to follow Jesus without compromise. For His Name's sake. Amen.
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