Zealous for Good
From very early on I was aware of the power of my choices. I realized I had to decide whether I wanted to add to the good or to the bad in the world. I had to decide how I was going to be remembered. I had to choose between the light and the darkness. The choice was easy then and it still is a no-brainer. I want to choose life-giving light. I want to be zealous for good. I want to stand on God’s side.
Who will harm you if you are zealous for good? 14 But happy are you, even if you suffer because of righteousness! Don’t be terrified or upset by them. (1 Peter 3:13-14, CEB, emphasis added,*)
When we are on God’s side, we live with the victorious Christ. Hence we can be happy no matter what. Because this world is not all there is. It is God’s kingdom that lasts forever. Doing good can be taxing sometimes but creating good is always better than creating bad. Even if we suffer for doing good, we’re still better off.
15 Instead, regard Christ as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it.(1 Peter 3:15, CEB, emphasis added,*)
We are called to keep our hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ. We are called to regard Christ as holy in our hearts. We are called to live out and speak of our hope. Because our hope is what everyone craves even thought they might not yet know it themselves. Blessedly, our hope is available for anyone who asks for it.
16 Yet do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience. Act in this way so that those who malign your good lifestyle in Christ may be ashamed when they slander you. 17 It is better to suffer for doing good (if this could possibly be God’s will) than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:16-17, CEB, emphasis added,*)
Chuck Swindoll has said “Few things are more infectious than a godly lifestyle. The people you rub shoulders with everyday need that kind of challenge. Not prudish. Not preachy. Just cracker jack clean living. Just honest to goodness, bone – deep, non-hypocritical integrity.”
I would point out that the critical element for a godly lifestyle is Christ. Our good lifestyle draws others to God when we live in Christ. Otherwise our good lifestyle is self-righteous, prudish, preachy or all three.
The only way to lead an infectious godly lifestyle is to do it in Christ. But when we live in Christ, anything is possible. When we live in Christ, we live out our hope and faith in such a way that it draws others to Christ. When we live in Christ, we can be zealous for good.
Gracious God,
We are drawn to you.
You have the words of eternal life.
You have light, love, and all the good things
we so desperately need.
Empower us to be zealous for good.
Equip us for good lifestyle in Christ.
Fill us to the brim with faith, hope, and joy.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Are you zealous for good? What keeps you going?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you continue creating good no matter what!
* [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses to Biblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.]
Image courtesy of Tylyn Taylor, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday, Faith Jam, and the High Calling.
10 thoughts on “Zealous for Good”
I stopped by from Five-Minute Friday but you don’t seem to have participated in this as I don’t find the word prompt in your writing. God bless you as you strive to offer encouragement to others.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Debby. The word is in the post (“The choice was easy then and it still is a no-brainer.”) but certainly quite hard to find. Abundant blessings to you too!
Ah, yes. Sorry I missed it 🙁
That’s okay, it was pretty hidden. Have a blessed weekend!
Mari-Anna, I was so struck by your words, “We are called to keep our hearts at attention.” I loved the image this creates in my mind of a heart that’s not lounging around, basking in the warmth of the Son-light but of a heart that’s full, ready, and poised to share His light with others. Thank you for sharing this with The High Calling, as that’s where I found you! 🙂
Thanks so much, Tarissa, for sharing the image. Very powerful indeed! The wording “keep our hearts at attention” comes from the Message paraphrase. It always touches my heart and mind. Blessings to you!
I love how you read the Bible in different translations! I do too and I find it really helpful at times
Oh yes! It is helpful and many times eye-opening. Thank you, Jenny, for commenting. God bless you richly!
Thank you for linking up with us at The High Calling. 🙂 We won’t be able to feature your piece this week, but I encourage you to try again. May God richly bless you as you seek to do His will.
Thanks, Dena, for stopping by and commenting. I was happy to participate in the community link up. Abundant blessings to you!