Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

Shine Christians' lives should stand out and shine as examples of what's right, even by the world's standards. In fact, the choices we make and the way we conduct ourselves should silence those who would accuse or oppose us. That's the picture Peter paints for us here in this passage. He writes that it's God's will for us to silence critics by "doing good." So what does this "doing good" actually look like? In context, Peter is talking about being obedient to our governing authorities and being law-abiding citizens (1 Peter 2:13-14). By recognizing that God has appointed our leaders over us, we should respond by respecting them for the Lord's sake. We shouldn't break any laws, disrespect our leaders with our words, or speak ill about those who are in authority over us-even those we didn't vote for. That only gives ammunition to those who have an agenda against our Christian faith. Instead, we shine and set an example by honoring their authority over us. We obey their ordinances, we follow the rules they've imposed, and we also pray for them-even if we don't agree with them. All this is a part of "doing good," which is God's will for our lives. Many times, Christians view the will of God as a confusing thing, as something mysterious and mystical. But in many ways, it's as simple and straightforward as paying your taxes on time, driving the speed limit, and filing for a permit on your home improvement projects. Those things may not seem "spiritual" in and of themselves, but they're all a part of God's will for our lives. Let's not give our accusers any ammunition against our faith. Let's silence them by "doing good" and shining in a world that's getting darker and darker. Christians' lives should stand out and shine as examples of what's right, even by the world's standards. In fact, the choices we make and the way we conduct ourselves should silence those who would accuse or oppose us. Think about it... What does this passage reveal to me about God? What does this passage reveal to me about myself? Based on this, what changes do I need to make? What is my prayer for today?