1 Peter 2:21-22 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
Ever wonder why bad things happen to good people? It just doesn't seem fair, does it? You follow the rules while everyone around you breaks them. You color inside the lines while others just scribbles aimlessly. You even do the right thing to the letter for the I.R.S. while others around you just slap numbers together with the mumbled statement "close enough is good enough" ... at least you hope that's what they're saying. But somehow when time comes for the big pay-off, your check seems to be less than those around you.
Peter probably had a lot of those days. In this verse, he reminds the readers that as Christians, we are called to do good, even if it means suffering for it. I think of the many Christians all over the world who are persecuted for even uttering the name of Jesus. They pass along the Good News of God's love for all people as shown in Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection at the risk of being persecuted or even tortured and killed. They have true courage - doing what they know is right in the face of danger or peril.
As we sit in comfortable houses watching decadent television shows, with several Bibles that we rarely even pick up except to dust, is it possible that we take for granted our religious freedom and heritage while our brothers and sisters around the world perish for simply saying, "Jesus"?
How can I speak up for Jesus in my world today?
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