Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king. – 1 Peter 2:11-18 (NLT)
Have you ever been falsely accused of wrongdoing? I have. It was many years ago and can still remember every detail of that experience. I remember being so upset and offended. I wasn’t even around the area where the alleged incident took place! Unfortunately that experience shaped me into becoming overly defensive later on in life, especially if I perceive something as questioning my level of intelligence or threatening my integrity. For some reason my pride wants to take things so personally. Maybe you can relate.
In 1 Peter 2:11-18, Peter urges believers to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness, and to do so even in the face of unjust accusations or opposition. He tells us that our honorable conduct should shine so brightly that it silences critics and draws others to honor God. But how do we actually live this out when facing hostility?
The Apostle Paul and his friend Silas knew a thing or two about hostility and being falsely accused. One time they ended up being wrongly accused of stirring up trouble in the town of Philippi, and there in the town square they were beaten by a mob and thrown into the local prison without even a trial. But their response to this injustice was most remarkable. Rather than retaliating, they prayed and sang hymns to God in their prison cell. Their unwavering faith and integrity in the midst of such unjustified persecution not only silenced accusations but also led the jailer and his entire household to receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:16-34)
Paul and Silas’s actions mirror Peter’s exhortation. When the prison doors flew open due to a divine earthquake, they didn’t flee. They honored God and respected the earthly authorities present, refusing to take vengeance or escalate conflict. By choosing to act honorably, they displayed the transformative power of the gospel.
So… what might it look like for us to live properly today? It might mean extending grace when facing unfair treatment at work. Perhaps it’s refusing to repay insults with insults in family disputes or disagreements with others, and praying for them instead. Like Paul and Silas, we have the opportunity to reflect God’s goodness when life gets tough. Our consistent character can open doors for others to encounter Christ, just like it did for the Philippian jailer and his entire family.
Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to live with integrity and honor, even in difficult circumstances. Let my words and actions reflect Your character and love, and draw others closer to You. Give me the strength to endure adversity with grace and faith, just as Paul and Silas did. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 