“…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.” I Peter 3:15

  A good series of questions to ask ourselves is, “What place does Christ have in my heart”?  Is He on the throne?  Have I set Him apart and above all else?  Is my relationship with Him all that it should be?   These are soul-searching questions that cause deep introspection and self – examination.  How do we know that Christ is “…Lord in our hearts…”?  Peter gives us a hint.  We know when others ask us to “…give an account for the hope that is in you…”  Why would someone ask?  They see fruits in our lives that bear testimony to the Lord reigning in our hearts.  Jesus said, “Let you light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.  Visible fruits in the life of a Christian are bound to open doors to tell others about the Lord.

  Peter says to be “…ready…” expect to be questioned and when you are be “quick to answer”.  Our answers should be with “gentleness and reverence,” attributes consistent with someone in who’s heart Christ is reigning.  When we make a defense with gentleness, our words are tender and compassionate.  The aim is the heart of the questioner, and the goal is to see them understand and desire to know the Lord personally.  And, when we make a defense in reverence, it is with a humble attitude seeking to give all the glory for our salvation to God.  Knowing we are saved promotes a reverent attitude, awe and wonder that He would save a sinner like me!  It is this kind of evangelistic testimony that does the most to stir the interest of those outside of Christ who see Christ in our lives.

  My earnest prayer is God will be pleased to bring at least one person across our path today who sees in our lives evidence of Christ’s Lordship and asks us about it.  And we, in turn will be ready to share the good news with gentleness and reverence.

All By Grace

Hugh