Life Development Toolbox - September 06
in this issue
-- 1 Peter 2:1-3
-- THE LIST!
-- GOING ON WITH GOD!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Life Development Toolbox. Continuing
in our study of 1 Peter, we highlight a list of no-no's and the best antidote!
1 Peter 2:1-3
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The old saying is that when there is a “therefore”, the first
word in this second chapter, we need to consider what it is “there
for”. Clearly it refers to the issues we focused in on in the first
chapter – the encouragement of all of God’s grace now firmly
set on us and the challenge to prepare our minds for holy living.
“Rid yourselves”, the NIV now says, “make a clean sweep”
echo’s the Message:
The List!
- malice
- deceit or pretence (Message). The AV uses the word “guile”.
- hypocrisy
- envy
- slander or hurtful talk (Message). The Living Bible = talking about others behind their backs.
“Who – me?” Yes – you! Peter is writing to Christians!
THE LIST!
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Malice = often associated with “wickedness” or “viciousness”.
The correct meaning of the original word, and one which will challenge us
perhaps more, is “the opposite of excellence”, or severely lacking
in quality. The application of God’s grace to our lives is not meant
to stop there! We must become channels for His grace to flow to others –
through excellence. Excellence of purpose which will require us to say “good
riddance” to all malice.
Deceit = carrying the meaning of “a bait or snare”. Deceit always
has an ulterior motive, an end in view that does not include the recipient’s
well being! The antidote for a Christian is always to have the attitude
which promotes those around us – if necessary at our expense. Are
you prepared to see someone else in a role you really would like yourself?
Do you want another blessed today, even if this disrupts your programme?
Be careful! – anything less is a pathway that leads to deceit. Agape
love, or love measured by sacrifice, demands excellence.
Hypocrisy = the action of a hypocrite. This term arose from the custom of Greek and Roman actors to speak in large masks, giving the appearance of someone else different from themselves. It is used exclusively in scripture by Jesus himself, particularly to highlight the double standards of the religious leaders of the day. The challenge for us is to live the truth and to avoid all pretence in our dealings with one another. How many times do you say, “I’m fine” or “I’m good thanks” – when you’re not? How true is your CV!?! One of the great challenges today is to live in the truth and to always tell the truth, trusting God with the consequences. After all, He is the one who promises us that He will honour those who honour Him.
Envy = the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others. A Christian couple started a business which grew well over the years and eventually sold for millions. As it prospered it became clear that there were those in the church they were attached to who looked longingly and licked their lips at what they saw. The couple were not stupid and were very much aware of this development. At last the wife said, “If God has decided to bless me, I’m not going to apologise for it!” Having envy as part of our attitude and outlook will rob us again of that sacrificial love with which Jesus rescued us at the expense of all the wealth and privilege which was rightfully His. Make a clear sweep of it from your life today!
Slander = the AV translates this as “evil speakings”. Speaking ill of others is a very destructive exercise. Just this morning as I write this I have been reading in the paper of an American news presenter who took a break to go to the toilet. Whilst she was doing so the station was putting out a report on whatever President Bush was doing (it’s so important I can’t remember what!!). The problem was that the presenter still had her microphone on! So the viewers were seeing President Bush but listening to the presenter mouthing off about how dreadful she thinks her sister-in-law is to another person in the toilet! Saying good things about others behind their backs will always have the approval of God – saying it to their faces will build up and encourage them. Anything else will have a detrimental effect on the body of Christ leading to ineffectiveness when it comes to making any sort of impact on our community.
GOING ON WITH GOD!
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We are now in verse 2 encouraged to move on with God – desire (AV)
or crave (NIV) pure spiritual milk (NIV) or the sincere milk of the word
(AV). The picture of a baby crying out for milk – not caring if it
is inconvenient – only one thing on his or her mind, shows the priority
with which we need to address our need for the word of God. The word of
God of course is the richest source of power, enlightenment and faith we
have. In dedicating ourselves to the study of God’s word, expecting
God the Holy Spirit to open it up to us in ways only he can, we will find
it easy to “rid ourselves” of all those things which would spoil
and hold us to the world’s standards.
Challenge = whatever time you spend reading and drinking in God’s
word – double it!! It will never be time wasted and it could elevate
you to a place where God will be able to use you to much greater effect.
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