A. W. Tozer said, “To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.” The scriptures agree. They tell us that those who would live godly lives will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). To be a Christian example then, we must have the right answers, armor, attitudes, and actions when we are criticized for our faith. The apostle Peter tells us what these should be in 1 Peter 3:13-4:19.
1. Christian answers. When people are critical of us and our faith, we should be prepared to give them clear, concise, and intelligent explanations of what we believe and why we believe it. But we must do this with a gentle and reverent spirit that respects their right to differ with us. To be argumentative, to use harsh words, to try to cram your faith down another’s throat does not help our Christian witness at all. The right answers and right attitudes are imperative.
2. Christian armor. The scriptures tell us to “arm ourselves” with the mind of Christ. That means a willingness to suffer for righteousness’ sake. Our commitment to Christ and his word should be so great that we are not only willing to live for him, but we are also willing to suffer and die for him. That was the attitude of Christ and it must be our attitude also.
3. Christian action. When we are under attack from the unbelieving world, we must show a special care and love for one another. Christians have enough opposition and strife from the world without adding to it from within the fellowship. Next to the support of God’s sympathy and help in trials are the support, love, compassion, and assistance of Christian friends. Our love and support of one another helps us resist the criticism of the world.
If we live right, the world will be against us. God’s word assures us of this. So we must be ready to face it with the right answers, attitudes, and actions.