they may be won over without words

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

1 Peter 3:1 NIV

Peter is talking about the power of a good example. Peter is talking to wives specifically here and the effect they have on their husbands. Peter knows what he is talking about. I know of many strong christian men that had been unbelievers, but were won over for Christ by their wife's example.

More often than we would like to think about, our behavior as christians speaks more to people than our words do. My wife has a saying about this; "your walk talks and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks". So, good christian behavior speaks loudly without saying a word. Read 1 Peter 3:1-6 and get more input from Peter on the type of behavior he is talking about.

Peter uses these terms to describe this powerfully influential behavior; purity, reverence, gentle and quiet spirit. The christian wife is to exhibit purity in her life, living out a godly example for her husband to see. She is to show reverence to her God and His teachings as well as respect for her husband. Peter finishes up with what is the true beauty of a christian woman, "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit". A gentle and quiet spirit is the most powerful behavior a christian woman can show toward her husband.

To show this gentle, quietness is to teach in the subtlest of ways. Imparting God's truth and love in such a way as to gently show the way of the Lord. It is living for for Jesus in a non-contentious way. Letting your husband see Jesus in your actions and hear Jesus in your words.

If one is married to an unbeliever remember these qualities and strive to live them out, he may be won over by your behavior. 

(C) 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Jesus is coming again

“Jesus Is Coming Again!”

After Jesus had completed His saving work here on earth He returned to His heavenly Father.

These are the words the angels spoke to Jesus' apostles that day. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11 They promised the return of the savior. His coming to the world again, will be as visible as the day He left .

Jesus return will be unmistakable. Not only will His return be visible, it will be audible. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, ” 1 Thessalonians 4:16a

There will be no warning, it will just happen. Just like when a thief breaks in. “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2,3 With Jesus return comes destruction and those that are not ready, they will not will not escape His wrath.

The apostle Paul says this about believers; “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Paul also tells the church at Rome, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” Romans 5:9

The day is coming when the Lord will come again for those that are His. That day will come quickly and with out warning. Only those that are in Christ will be saved from His wrath. Knowing this about Jesus return, tells us to be prepared. There will not be another chance after that day. So, when we think about it today is the only day we have to make up our mind. The choice is ours. The day is coming. If we wait for that day it will be too late to ask "what shall we do?" Acts 2:37b

Jesus is coming again. Are you ready? If not, see Acts 2:38. Be ready.

An article in Christ for Today

(C) 2012 Leo J. Woodman