In his first Epistle Saint Peter begins to stir things up with regard to what is expected of a believer in his or her very personal life relationships. In 3.15-17 we read: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. This is a very powerful direction to all believers—to determine and declare that Christ is Lord of this life in the here-and-now. We must establish our hearts as having been separated for use by Jesus as Lord.

When we have made a home for the Lord within our hearts we will then have a purpose for our submission to him as we live our lives in the world: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. The believer does not live by the luck-of-the-draw in life circumstances, but every aspect of what we do is determined by the presence of Jesus within us.

This is never to be a root of pride within us, because it is Christ who makes us who we are in God rather than our own efforts. Therefore we are to give witness by the way we love: But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. We must give others a reason to submit to Jesus.

It can be a painful experience if we are rejected because of our walk with the Lord, but: It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. The benefits of allowing the Lord God to have his way in our hearts and lives far outweigh whatever price might be exacted in our relationships with the ones with whom we live. We will never know the fullness of God’s riches without submitting to his life in us.