1 Peter 2:11-3:12
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21-23). Passages like this one are really challenging to me. On the one hand I understand that Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for sin. In doing so he called all people to live a life of peace and community, to turn away from violence and acts of retribution. On the other hand how do you survive in this world if you are not willing to “stand up for yourself” and to look out for your own best interests?
That’s the whole point, though, isn’t it? Jesus did not call disciples to live according to the ways of the world. Jesus called his followers to something other, a higher way. When he might have struck back he suffered in silence. When he might have put up a fight he declined to defend himself. In doing so Jesus issued a monumental challenge to all of us: choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15), either the powers of the world with their expectations of violence and aggression, or the will of God with its justice, kindness, and humility (Micah 6:8).
Most days I don’t even want to think about the issues involved here. Most days I want to go about my business and pretend that there isn’t a choice to be made. As a result, I generally stand somewhere along the line that runs between Christ-like meekness at one end and a desire to lash out at those who offend me at the other. Clearly that’s not good enough, and my prayer is that over time I might find a way to live God’s will more completely. In the meantime I invite us all to reflect on what Christ did for us and to look for the strength to go and do likewise.
Prayer: Lord, help us to live the way our Savior lived in all aspects of our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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