Hearts: Filled W/Hope, Good Behavior- Avoiding Fear

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 conscious, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV)

Motivating Monday!

Valentines week upon us, with February 14th this Friday. Hearts are everywhere, and even last Friday was National wear red day in support of heart disease. We are faced with a country split on core values and ethics have been lost through the generations, we certainly have a heart crisis. Really, we have a crisis within our churches. Christians who have studied God’s Word during parts of their lives, can still support political agendas that are a direct assault against God’s Word, even to the extreme of life and death.

Deceptive vs. Clarity

The heart can be most deceptive. In Jeremiah 17:9- the heart can be most deceitful of all. When people say…trust your heart. No! Our hearts cannot be trusted, unless transformed under the renewing of our minds no longer conforming to the world around us. Take time to study Romans 12 today. Once we have matured under Christ’s authority- His Word, Our hearts are the well springs of life. Good now comes from our hearts, clear of any deception.

Hearts

Once matured in Christ, we want to do what is right, aligning with God’s Holy Word. Setting Christ as Lord apart in our hearts, avoid fear as the world fears, or be frightened like they are. Where there is confidence in who/what we believe, we stand strong even if suffering for doing what is right. Scripture states we are blessed! Always be prepared to give an answer for the reason we hope. When speaking from the heart, full of gentleness and respect, let’s be motivated to allow God to work within the hearts of those who speak maliciously against our good behavior in Christ- may they be ashamed of their slander.

Be encouraged!