Critic's Corner

Other people's perceptions:

      Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. " Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."
      But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander....
      If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
      If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or theif or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?....
       So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Scripture:

1 Peter 3:13-16; 4:14-17, 19

Defining Moments:

May as well be on the lookout for a couple of thieves who like to prey on new Christians who are serious about being Christlike.
      One is the old friend who liked you better the way you were, back when you were a lot more open to having a good time and going to church didn't interfere with every weekend.
      The other one is the Christian who's seen your kind come along before and liked you better when you were still a prayer request. Now you're a ball of fire who's just crazy enough to take what you read in the Bible at face value, who thinks there's nothing God can't do through people who pray and churches who love each other. Your enthusiasm threatens them. They're supposed to be the ones helping you.
      So if you haven't already, you're sure to start feeling the heat from those who want you wither more like the world or more like the status quo. Just keep believing that what the Bible says is true, and keep loving them the way you'd want them to love you.

Next Up:

One of the biggest enemies in your fight for Christian victory is a foe so small, you could easily overlook it. But it's so close to your heart that it's hard to give up.

Quote:

" Conformity is a jooy thief, but fixing our eyes on Jesus is a joyful, life-giving exercise." -Ed Young