Just who is it that I am supposed to be living for anyways?

1 Peter 2:12 ~

People in ministry get scrutinized, most often by the group they are trying to reach. In becoming more involved in camp ministry, this fact is becoming more real in my life.

On one hand, we aren't placed on earth to live up to people's expectations or to be accepted by anyone. On the other hand, we are placed here as servants of Jesus Christ, to reach the lost with the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. So just how am I to respond when I begin to receive criticism in my life on who I am or how I act?

1 Peter 2:12 says it perfectly. Keep your conduct honorable. As Christians, we aren't perfect. Everyone slips up, everyone sins, even the most "seasoned" Christians. However, if we are daily in the Bible, seeking God's truth, talking to Him everyday and striving to be a better person in Christ and a good example to the lost, it shouldn't be too hard to understand when your actions are honorable or not.

Sometimes it's not about whether the action is right or wrong. Sometimes it is about the context of your actions or the audience of your actions. Sometimes what is perfectly honorable in the comfort of your home, may not be honorable to perform in public. 1 Peter 2:12 shows us that we will receive criticism in doing God's work and that if we keep our actions among the lost honorable, they will see our good deeds, rather than focus on our shortcomings. 

I often struggle with this idea. My flesh wants to act however I please because inside, I know that I am not here to please people, I'm here to please God. However, sometimes pleasing God requires that we have discretion and wisdom regarding our behavior. 

In all honesty, I can say that dishonorable behavior among the lost people you are trying to reach will turn their eyes from the truth you have to share with them. They will lose sight of the gospel and begin to focus on your actions, rather than what is truly important. At this point you become a stumbling block to them, rather than a help, and your words fall on deaf ears.

For the sake of spreading God's Word, I pray I can keep in mind that my actions, especially in the company of lost people, so importantly need to stay pure and honorable . As a missionary, my reputation and the validity of what I have to say, is determined by what people see flowing from my life.