Speak and Act God’s Truth
Molly Bagley of Pensacola, FL, USA
For “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” -1 Peter 3:10-12
This short passage can seem out of place when read alone, but it contains a powerful message. The text falls in the middle of the body of the epistle at a point when the author shifts the focus from talking about proper conduct in Christian communities to proper conduct within the larger community. In the case of 1 Peter, the larger community is often hostile toward Christians, especially converts. They are viewed with suspicion, ridiculed and slandered by those who were once their friends, possibly even their family members. This passage would have provided much needed reassurance and comfort in their suffering and confusion.
I am sure we all desire a long life and many good days. The author of 1 Peter is speaking here of the promise of the resurrection of all that will occur with the coming of Christ, and thus what it takes to receive this promise of salvation.
Here comes the powerful part!
We are not instructed to turn from evil and do nothing or speak whatever we want. We are told to do good and not speak deceit. We are called to act and speak God’s truth, especially when confronted with evil and suffering. We are to uphold this truth with honesty and without apology, to seek peace and pursue it with abandon. In this way we are carrying out the mission of Community of Christ to proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. As we speak and act God’s truth, our communities will spread and bring light to all corners.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Spend a few moments paying attention, wherever you are. Notice your surroundings. What draws your focus? Look more closely at detail and color. Notice what pulls or prods within you. How is the God-in-all-things speaking to you through what you see and feel right here, right now?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
