“Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence.” (1Pet. 3.13-16)
The word “eager” is related to the root word for imitator or mimicker. Imitate or mimic someone doing good… How does one become a disciple? Look at the leader, how they worship, sing. How do people learn how to pray? By praying with their leaders. They learn how to love the church as they imitate their leaders who love the church.
“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.” (Is 8.12-13)
If there is a threat, it would make sense to say do not fear “them”… but it says do not fear “what they fear.” People of God ought to fear the Lord instead. (Notes from P. Mark’s Sunday message)
Pray for your pastors and leaders, that they may be worthy of imitation, that they may fear the Lord above all else in this world… and that we would all follow and imitate the Lord together as we live out our calling.
–JP