1 PETER 2:20-21

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

TO PONDER

I don't know who first said the line, 'you can call me whatever you want, just don't call me late for dinner', but I know that it has worked it's way into the colloquial rural lingo of many country towns around the country. Being called late for dinner, especially after putting in a hard days physical labor of working the land as many people do in these rural places, is not a prospect anyone would invite. And yet some of these characters who use this kind of colloquial slang, have also got some very interesting, and at times colourful, nicknames that many of us in the city would probably find offensive.

The problem for many Christians is that we don't want to be 'called late for dinner'. I know many Christians who have shared that they don't make a big deal about their faith, or that they try to keep it hidden at work because they fear if it came out it might cost them a promotion, or some kind of career opportunity. I hear many Christians concerned about sharing their faith with friends for fear of it ruining their friendship or perhaps even doing damage to a family relationship.

Peter reminds us in this letter that this is actually part of what Jesus calls us to. He calls us to take up our cross and follow him. We are called to suffer for doing good. However we often seem to expect to be rewarded for doing good. and so complain of the 'unfairness' when we have tried to do and bee good in a certain situation, only to be rewarded with the bad attitudes or criticism of others. The key here is to fix your mind on the right prize. Do you really want the short term sugar fix of the meal that others are offering, their good opinions and accolades, or do you want the nourishment that comes from being called by Jesus to eat and drink the bread and water of life that only he can give? Call me whatever you like, but don't call me late for that meal!!!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you have called me to follow you. Please help me to remember that following you is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle