Peter writes, “… having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame (1 Peter 3:16). Paul describes the effect younger widows have on the adversary when they move around from house to house as busybodies. He writes, “And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy (or idle), and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.  So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary (or enemy) no opportunity to vilify us (or “no occasion for reproach)” (1 Timothy 5:14).

As far as I am concerned, I need to do my level best to give no occasion for the enemy to speak evil of my God or His word. Peter would tell saints living then that they need not be ashamed if they suffer as a Christian (and we will because they will hate us as they hated Him). But, if we suffer as murderer, thief, evildoer, or busy body, we give the enemy ammunition to use against us and the cause of Christ. We can be sure that we will sin but we must not allow it to rule in our lives. Unfortunately, if you commit one sin because you were weak and foolish, you will be labeled with that sin by the enemy forever. But, whether you are guilty or not guilty, the enemy will accuse you and speak reproachfully. We cannot change that. But, what we must be prepared to do is remain focused and single-minded to abhor sin and make no occasion for the flesh to fulfill the lust, thereof.

Then, when you do sin and the fingers are pointing at you, humbly acknowledge it and tell others who know that you do not approve of it and do not make it a practice to violate the will of God. “I’m sorry I did not represent my Father’s will but just know that I repent,” may be a good response. Now, the pressure of being accountable is heavy upon you. Eyes will be looking on you and you will be attacked. Many of those attacks are unjustified and we must stay the course and defend against false attacks if God’s Word is twisted. As far as we are concerned, we must maintain a good conscience to do the right thing, even after we have done the wrong thing.

About

I have been a fervent student of the Bible all of my life
Experience: Preacher for 30 years and father of three sons
Education: Florida College and Missouri State University

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