Does it really matter how we live our lives as Christians? In the grand scheme of things, is it really all that important?
According to Gallup’s multi-year study, the number of people who say they believe in God has dropped significantly in the last ten years, from 92% in 2012 to 81% in 2022. An 11-point drop in only ten years!
Some put the blame for this drop squarely on the shoulders of pastors. They say, “it’s the pastor’s responsibility to teach people about God, and they aren’t doing a good job!” And while I agree that we have far too many pastors that have lost their way and their ability to teach people the Word of God, I can’t lay all the blame on them.
You see, before someone comes into a church to learn about God from a pastor, they must first be shown God through the life of a believer. Then, when they see God reflected in us as believers, they wonder, “What do they have that I don’t have? Maybe I’ll check this idea of God out!”
You need not take my word for it; look at what the Bible teaches:
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
I could go on, but you get the idea. Jesus, Paul, James, and many other Bible authors say our example matters! This is because people first see and understand something about God by how we live our lives as Christians. Our lives are either drawing others to the Father, or they are pushing them away. It’s really that simple. So, our example portrayed in how we live our lives is essential and has eternal consequences!
Peter’s Instructions for How to Live as Believers
Last week, we looked at a passage from 1 Peter in which Peter discussed how believers should respond to persecution. At the end of this passage, Peter offered specific instructions for responding to those who have questions about God.
Peter said,
“…do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:15b-17)
1. Gentleness
Every time Jesus responds to someone who comes to Him with an open, honest heart, He responds gently. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan women at the well (John 4:19-26) is an excellent example of His gentle nature.
However, being gentle does not mean we cannot be firm. Jesus responded firmly to the scribes and Pharisees. He called out their hypocritical behavior and warned them of the judgment they faced (Matthew 23).
2. Respect
Peter said we must respond to people respectfully. However, maintaining a respectful posture can be challenging when someone disagrees with us and even harder when someone attacks us and our faith directly.
Jesus provides an example of responding respectfully when He was made to appear before Pilate (John 18:28-40). Jesus answered all of Pilate’s questions respectfully and directly.
3. Having a Good Conscience
The minute you let your faith be known, people watch to see if your walk matches your talk. If Christians are even being perceived as dishonest, deceitful, liars, gossiping, envious, angry, etc., nothing we say will be heard because our actions will judge us!
As Christians, we are trying to demonstrate how Christ has changed our lives. That will never happen if what people see doesn’t match what we say. Our walk has to match our talk!
4. It’s Better to Suffer
The reason you treat others gently and with respect while maintaining a good conscience is so that when people try to revile you for being good, they will be put to shame for their actions. Peter says it is far better for Christians to suffer for being and doing good than to accept and follow the evil ways of the world.
There is no getting around the fact that we live in a divided, divisive world. Unfortunately, some hate God and all He stands for, and because you are a person of faith, they will also hate you. But remember, Jesus warned us, saying, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that they hated me first” (John 15:18).
So, anticipate difficulty and opposition in this life. But no matter what, remember that how we live as Christians is the first and, for some, the only picture of God the non-believer will ever have. So, it’s our job to be a light that draws others to the Father by being gentle and respectful and by keeping a clear conscience before God.
Discussion Questions
These questions can serve as a useful framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.
- How can we ensure that our actions and words as Christian leaders align with each other and reflect positively on our faith?
- In what ways can we respond gently and respectfully to those who hold different beliefs than us while maintaining our own convictions?
- How can we create a culture within our organization that encourages good behavior and values the importance of maintaining a good conscience?
- How can we prepare ourselves and our teams to handle opposition and persecution for our beliefs in a way that reflects positively on our faith?
- What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our lives as Christians are serving as a positive example to others and drawing them towards God?
More Articles
I have written several articles recently on character. You can find them by typing “Character” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #518: Should Christian Leaders Be Prepared to Respond to Persecution Today?
- #492: Do You Have What It Takes to be A Powerful Biblical Leader?
- #491: Biblical Leadership Is Serious Business Not to Be Entered into Lightly!
- #487: Wise Workplace Disciples Have These 5 Character Traits in Common
- #484: Do You Recognize These 9 Warning Signs of a Failing Leader?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. For example, which part of Peter’s instruction is most challenging to live out in your life?
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Category: Personal Development | Character
I think the decline in faith has less to do with pastors (although the Catholic abuse scandals haven’t helped) and more to do with modernity. Non-believers struggle with biblical stories of virgin births and Noah’s arc, etc. High profile atheists like Dawkins and Hitchens were influential. The march of science and immediate availability of information makes faith seem antiquated and like a fairy tale. But dig deeper and we see people yearning for meaning in a world that seems increasingly broken. Jorden Peterson is a public intellectual whose lectures on the Bible are sold out and attended by numerous young people. Peterson has a unique ability to explain the deeper meanings in the Bible, and his approach offers a template for pastors who sometimes quote scripture but fail to reach nonbelievers who need more explanation.
Your comment aligns with much of the data I’ve seen about young people being more receptive to faith. Sadly, their expectation for profound teaching is not being delivered by many (if not most) pastors today. Instead, far too many pastors deliver watered-down psycho-babble sermons that do not appeal to the younger audience!