That we as Christians are to “do life” differently is pretty evident in Scripture. Not that it’s about being different for the sake of being different . . . not that we seek to stand out . . . not that we purpose to “go left” just because everyone else decides to “go right.” But we are to align ourselves to the “true north” of heaven . . . to set our minds on things above . . . to conduct our lives in a manner that is consistent with our calling as the people of God. And when we do so . . . at some point . . . someone . . . somewhere . . . will notice and ask, “How come?” And that is why, Peter says, “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1Peter 3:15)

The context for Peter’s charge is encouragement written to a band of Christians who are being increasingly persecuted for their faith. And as the heat gets turned up Peter points to Jesus as the example of how to endure unjust treatment and suffering, “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1Peter 2:22-23). Not exactly popular opinion on how to deal with unfair treatment . . . not the way of the world on how to stand up for oneself . . . not the stuff that assertiveness training is made of . . . not much there concerning knowing your rights and fighting for them. But it’s a different approach . . . an approach modeled after Christ . . . an approach designed by the will of God to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men by doing good (1Peter 2:15). And Peter says, live as Christ lived . . . respond as Christ would respond . . . and there will come a point when someone asks why . . . and then, be ready to give an answer.

And the reason we, as believers, are willing to swim upstream in a downstream world is because of the hope that we possess. Our actions now are shaped by our view of the future that awaits us. The reality of heaven’s glory shapes our response to earth’s trials. The value system of eternity is the determining factor of our investment strategy here and now. Our hope shapes our thinking . . . our decision making . . . our living. And so, when the question is asked . . . and it will be asked . . . Peter says we need to be ready to give a defense for the reason that hope so shapes our lives.

I’m challenged to be thoughtful about what and I do and why I do it . . . to bring it all under the authority of the One I claim as Lord and King of my life. It’s not about separating my “spiritual life” from my “everyday normal life” but about integrating all that I am in Christ . . . all that I believe . . . all that I have hope in . . . bringing it all into play in how I walk my walk. And then being ready to explain why I do what I do . . . or don’t do what I don’t do . . . or value what the world doesn’t value . . . or take a pass on what the world says is so important.

Always ready to give a defense . . . prepared with an argument (not to argue) . . . ready to articulate to others why I have counted the cost . . . and have weighed the reward . . . and decided to follow Jesus.

Living for Jesus will provide opportunity to testify for Jesus. Aligning myself toward heaven will open doors to point others to heaven. And mine, by the grace of God, and for the glory of God, is to be always ready. Amen?