Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence….(1 Peter 3: 13-15 13, NASB)
The level of commitment, training, travel, and emotional ups and downs for a tour player is something that most of us do not comprehend. Many will tell you that life on the road is tough, and if it weren’t for their relationships with friends made at PGA Tour bible studies, their life on tour would be much harder.
A community of like-minded believers who support one another through the challenges of the tour is a difference-maker in how they handle travails and share moments of joy. The struggles are the hardest to endure because the joy of winning is short-lived. The golf grind is trivial when compared to what the early church endured to share Jesus.
These verses from Peter were written to offer encouragement to suffering Christians sometime between A.D. 62 and 64, likely from Rome. Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith under the Emperor Nero. Peter’s name means “rock” (given to him by Jesus), the foundation upon which Jesus would build his church. In chapter 2, Peter describes Christians as “living stones” built upon Christ as the foundation. Jesus encouraged Peter to care for the church as a shepherd, tending a flock.
As “living stones,” our calling is not to “impose our faith” but “ to expose our faith” in a way that attracts the lost.
Our faith should be “exposed” by our actions. Do we “walk the talk?” Or just talk? The only Jesus some of our golf buddies will see is YOU! My experience is that it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be liked and be swayed off my moral compass to fit in.
Have you done things that grieve the Holy Spirit? Are you concerned about reactions or hardship by being “rejected?” Then finish reading on in 1 Peter 3 – “…and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong.”
Prayer: Lord, as we walk with you, keep us mindful to shine your light from within so that we are exposing the good news of Jesus to those who need you.