Savage About Sobriety May 19, 2023

"You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God." - 1 Peter 4:2 (NLT).

Peter was a great example for Christians of a person who made mistakes in his walk with God. No matter how many times he failed or made mistakes, he always rebounded and came back stronger than before. Peter could get arrogant (Matthew 26:35), he lost his temper (John 18:10), and he showed weakness and fear when he denied Christ at Jesus' trial (All 4 Gospels). After Peter's denial, he even went back to his boat and went fishing (John 21). He did something a lot of us addicts tend to do when we have a slip in our walk with God...we go back to the place where Jesus originally found us. We return to our old ways. Thank God that He wasn't done writing Peter's story or ours.

In 1 Peter 4:3, Peter reminds us of what we left behind. He highlights our old ways by saying, "You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols." (NLT). It's not a good thing to dwell on our savage lives, but it serves as a reminder of what Jesus has delivered us from. This is the basis of our testimonies. We can best help others when we have went through similar experiences as the ones we are trying to help. Showing others what Jesus has done in our lives is the best way to show what He can do for them, as well.

Verse 4 is a tough reality that most of us will face at some point. "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you." (NLT). Most people will be happy that you have changed your old ways and have found a new happiness in Christ, but some people won't. Unfortunately, the 'some that won't' will a lot of times be our closest friends and family. Recently, Shevon was asked for a ride by a family member. In the 10 minutes they were in the car together, that family member pulled out a bag of drugs. Shevon asked them why they would do that when they know she is sober and living for God. How did that person respond? By calling Shevon names and making fun of her walk with God.

In verses 5 & 6, Peter tells us, "But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. (NLT). We can witness to people and be a good example, but it's ultimately up to each person whether they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. If they don't, the Bible says all people are destined to die. If they do, they can live forever with God in the Spirit.

Being a Christian and having a walk with God means we will choose to serve God. Where does that start? By not chasing our own desires and looking forward to doing the will of God (vs 2). Putting God's will above our own self wants. It's not always going to be the easiest path. We will be ridiculed and criticized by those close to us because we are making a change. They may not agree or understand but they will have to answer for themselves before God. We just need to do our part and tell everyone about the goodness of God and keep them in our prayers.