1st Peter 3:11. “Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace and ensue it.” DON’T AND DO. It is always around – often right in front of your eyes Some things are subtle – others outright lies; When you know evil is there – quickly turn away –
If you act with haste you will live another day.
Right alongside but sometimes hard to see – Is a need to be met right there in front of me. I must not wait to act when doing good, Or evil steps in where I should have stood.
Peace can come when one will make diligent search. Some things must be forsaken before it you will reach. Peace doesn’t just “happen” – it accepts no compromise – Any who offer peace without price is telling you lies.
Peace is worth pursuing because for it a price was paid. When Christ was on the cross, on Him our sin was laid. The barriers were broken, walls were taken down – Peace can be yours, when Christ as Lord you crown,
Peace is not enforced by an army with guns. Lasting peace comes through God’s only Son. Receiving Him is one thing, obeying is another – Peace for living can be lost by disobeying our Father.
But God is willing to restore a disobedient son to Him – Who is willing to confess to Him any besetting sins; Peace in the life is ours when we don’t do the wrong – When we do what is right, by His grace our peace is strong.
“I know peace can be lost quickly Father. To leave undone what is right, or to act in a way that is wrong, is to forfeit peace. I love Thy Word, Father. I want Thy peace always. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
We are not alone in this pursuit because our Lord is aware of who we are and what is happening. His eyes are on us and His ears are listening to our prayers. His head is bowed to hear what we mean even when we can't say it right. At the same time His face is "upon" those who do evil. God is concerned for His persecuted pilgrims who suffer for righteousness. Payday has not yet come - but it will!
The way we cope with opposition and persecution affects the outcome of the event. Suffering is not the normal outcome when one is a law-abiding, peace-seeking child of God. But and if the suffering for Christ does come as a result of doing good, there is a special blessing for that. We don't have to fear their threats or intimidation. Agitation really comes as a form of unbelief, the contrast of which is a calmness and even the happiness from being blessed. "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake."