Live Properly, 1 Pt 2:12

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“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” (1 Peter 2:12, NLT).

Insight
A Kingdom-Minded man lives with purpose. He is intentional and embraces God’s heart to win and make disciples. He is “careful to live properly” and to exemplify a lifestyle that attracts others to God.
Peter addresses Kingdom-Minded believers about being intentional in every part of their life: In the Culture, Work-Place, Home and Church.
Culture – “Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens” (2:13, MSG). It is God’s will that we do good and live properly among our neighbors. We are to “exercise our freedom to serve God, not by breaking rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity… Revere God and Respect the government” (2:16 – 17, MSG).
Work-Place – The work-place is a believer’s ministry-place. Our work-ethic matters. Excellence is a witnessing tool. The hours we spend with co-workers, patients, clients and others provides multiple opportunities to honor God. Reflect your beliefs in your conversations, patience, compassion, productivity and preparedness. “God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right” even if you have to “patiently endure unfair treatment” (2; 19, NLT).
Home – Wives win over their husbands through their “godly lives.” Without words our spouses can be led to Christ through “observing your pure and reverent lives” (3:1, NLT). “What matters is not your outer appearance… but your inner disposition” (MSG). And husbands are to honor, delight in and treat their wives “as equals so your prayers don’t run aground” (3:7, MSG).
Church – “Be of one mind” (3:8, NLT)…Unity is key. This is easier to do as we humbly sympathize, love and have a tender heart for others. Refuse to “repay evil for evil… instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it” (3:9, NLT).
Be intentional and Kingdom-Minded. Win over others with your life.

Prayer
Father, I accept Your purpose for my life: To win over and make disciples of my neighbors. I understand the necessity of living out what I believe. Help me to live properly and attract others to You in my culture, work-place, home and church. In Jesus name, AMEN.