In the earlier verses preceding this verse for today, Peter is extolling the virtues of an attitude and lifestyle befitting a people of God. (1 Pet 3:8-11).  Peter describes the ‘good life’ that God is looking for.  Jesus says: ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35).  Jesus is talking here about relationships within the fellowship of believers, but I would suggest that this same approach should govern our relationship with all people, believers and non-believers.

Unity is so important, especially within the church.  I have been in many churches where members have fallen out with each other, and such fallouts affect everybody, Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.  To put it another way, if a big toe is broken, the whole-body limps!

Peter defends his exhortation by reminding his readers, and of course us, that God is always watching:

‘For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil’. (v.12)

These are strong words of justification and warning.  Peter is quoting from Psalm 34, a Psalm praising the Lord for deliverance in answer to prayer, and instruction in Godliness.

Why is God always watching?  Remember the words of Peter in 1 Peter 2:9:

‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God’

We are God’s ambassadors here on earth. We can be sure that non-believers are watching us, to see how we live, how behave, and how we love.  For many non-believers, the first view they get of Jesus is US!

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Application:

Wow!  I am challenged today.  How am I living out my Christian life before others?  Am I following Peter’s words from verses 8-11? Do I live my daily life with a conscious awareness that the ‘eyes of God are always upon me’?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, by the power of your daily infilling of your Holy Spirit, help me to live a life worthy of your reflection. To your Glory. Amen.