Follow the Path of Good

Persecution is going to come to all of us at one time or another. Why that persecution comes and how we react is what will define us.

“²²He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” – 1 Peter 2:22-23 (ESV)

Jesus did not fight back at those that persecuted Him. “He committed no sin”, and yet was treated as though He had. Jesus accepted the persecution of man, event to the point of death, and did not resist because the judgment for His actions was not of man, but of God.

“²⁰For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it, you endure, this it a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:20-21 (ESV)

Following the path of sin will result in persecution, however since I have sinned against man and God, what I get is what I have sown. When I follow the path of good in the eyes of God the consequences of my actions are best left to God and that which comes from man is of little concern and I should treat it as such.

When man judged Jesus, He allowed them to. His path and the consequences to His taking that path were and are judged by God. The resulting actions of man were of little to no concern to Jesus and therefor they were allow to take place, again even to the point of death.

When we are out in the world, who are we trying to please? Are we looking to God for feedback on our actions? Are we looking to follow the path of good so as to please God and be judged by Him?