God loves that His children stand out, not only for their success but especially stand out because of their good character. Can the same be said of you?
“Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2.12 NKJV). What a plan! The apostle Peter here encourages the disciples to be “good people”. You know, the type of person that people point to and say “he’s such a good guy”, “she a super nice girl”.
We are not supposed to be like the world (Romans 12:2). We are supposed to be different. We will sometimes attract positive or negative comments. The world can hate us (John 15:19), they can make fun of us and tell all kinds of lies about us. After all, they are the sons of their father: the accuser of the saints and the greatest liar. But the Apostle Peter says that our conduct (our good works), should force them to recognize that deep down, we are “good people”.
Of course, this includes all kinds of good deeds, such as feeding and clothing the poor, caring for widows and orphans, visiting prisoners and encouraging the broken-hearted. But all these good deeds do not mean anything when they are done out of obligation with a grumpy face. You can lead 20 charities but if your words are harsh or negative, if you get angry easily, or if you do not take care of your neighbor, you will not be taken seriously. “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3 NKJV).
Unbelievers look at us and examine us. “Ah, that’s a Christian?” when they see us swearing, stealing, or extorting anything from someone weaker. My neighbor was an atheist and made fun of Christians on her social media. Then, she met me. I hosted her at home several times, I gave her some meals when she was sick, I lent her some things that she didn’t have, and the list goes on. Then, one day, she put a mean joke about Christians on her page and I just commented “Really? This is what you think of us?”. And she immediately commented, “Well, I admit it, there are also good people like you among Christians”. And she stopped poking at Christians and was even curious about my church and my faith.
I have not always been like that. I remember another much less glorious event. I was in a hurry, I got angry at a cashier at a shop. I told her what was on my mind: nothing very nice! Then that same evening, my church was hosting an evangelical evening. I was in the newly saved team and who decided to give her life to God that night? Yes, the cashier I had insulted earlier. I had to abandon my position, I could not do my service that night because I felt like a hypocrite. What a lesson!
And it’s not just the skeptics who notice our good character and our free service. Other singles are watching you too. Who would you like to marry? With what type of person would you like to share your daily life? Does your character attract this type of person? Does your service and empathy make you attractive? This is what the Bible asks of each one of us to do.
To do this you will need the help of the Holy Spirit. You will have to walk by the Spirit and not produce the fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Also, walk in humility and do not hesitate to ask forgiveness if you do not reflect the character of Christ. Go ahead, stand out … be a good person.