1 Peter 4:7-11
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
Back in the day, about 1971, I lived in a house of Christian guys across from the campus of Michigan State University. There were five of us, and each person had their own unique individuality.
One of my roommates was kind of an anti-establishment type guy; a bit of a rebel. He had long hair and a bushy beard, but beyond that, he seemed to think of himself as a philosophical and theological thinker. Someone who thought outside of the box; who marched to the beat of his own drum.
He also had a heart for the down and out. As a result, there were a few times when he brought a stranger back to our house to eat a meal, and even to stay overnight. Most of these people were not from the mainstream - if you get my drift.
But for him, this was how he reached out to others and shared the Good News of Christ with them. He stretched the faith of all of us in the house, and set an example for us to follow. Maybe not by doing exactly what he did, but to follow the principle of what he did. It’s the same principle that Peter wrote about.
8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. NLT
In reality, my roommate wasn’t marching to the beat of his own drum. He was marching to the beat of his Lord and Savior. That’s the same beat that you and I as followers of Christ need to follow. And when we do, then we will be in line with these words of Peter.
… 11bDo it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. NLT
Do you hear the beat of the drum? Of His drum? Then I guess that means you have your marching orders.
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