Devotion - Thursday, April 19

On Monday I said of I Peter that is it among the "Pastoral Epistles." This is because of the book's pastoral advise, to a young congregation, to a people who were just beginning to set the traditions and expectations for the community of Christ.

This morning's section (I Peter 2:11-3:12) covers a range of issues from the passions which wage war on our souls, to being subservient to powers, to advise for couples.

Among and within it all is the realization that what we believe and think (an internal act) ought to be reflected in how we conduct ourselves in the world (the "us" whom other see.) What others see informs them as to what we believe and think; others are given an example of behavior which - when emulated - pleases God.

There are a number of expressions which address the need for the internal and the external to be consistent. An application for summer camp staff asked whether the applicant both "walked the walk and talked the talk." There was a 70's song (by Up With People) which said "You can't think crooked and live straight." What we think and believe will be seen by those around us. If there is opportunity for our actions to be a misreading of our thoughts and beliefs, we need to alter our actions. Our intentions are not the final determination of what is right and what is wrong. It is how our actions will be received that ought to guide our interactions with others.

We do tend to mimic those around us. Even if we don't normally think of ourselves as one to whom others look, our actions are seen. Another sound piece of pastoral advise is to be aware of how our actions might cause another to stumble. Jesus speaks of millstones tied around necks and persons cast into the sea. It may not be you, individually, to whom another looks. They may only see you as one among a crowd. So allowing yourself to be caught up in a crowd, which acts in a way unacceptable to God, may be opportunity for one of God's precious children to stumble.

There are some limitations to being an older campus pastor. I don't sleep as well as I used to on retreats; I was an easy target at last night's LCM 4-Square Tournament. One advantage is the seriousness with which my pastoral advise is often heard. I am grateful for this. And I am pleased that I have I Peter, the chapters and verses of which provide so many insights. These books of the Bible are not digested with as much vigor as Romans or John. What a shame.