Dead flies will make even perfume smell bad. In the same way, a little foolishness can ruin a wise man's fame for wisdom.

   Now it is a matter of pride to us - endorsed by our conscience - that our activities in this world, particularly our dealings with you, have been absolutely above-board and sincere before God. They have not been marked by any worldly wisdom, but by the grace of God. The ultimate aim of the Christian ministry, after all, is to produce the love which springs from a pure heart, a good conscience and a genuine faith.

   Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young: see that they look up to you because you are an example to believers in your speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity.

   You should not aim at being dictators but examples of Christian living in the eyes of the flock committed to your charge. And then, when the Chief Shepherd reveals Himself, you will receive that crown of glory which cannot fade.

   For yourself, concentrate on winning God's approval, on being a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, and who knows how to use the word of truth to the best advantage.

   But you are God's "chosen generation," His "royal priesthood," His "holy nation," His "peculiar people" - all the old titles of God's people now belong to you. It is for you now to demonstrate the goodness of Him Who has called you out of darkness into His amazing light. In the past you were not "a people" at all; now you are the people of God. In the past you had no experience of His mercy, but now it is intimately yours.

   I beg you, as those whom I love, to live in this world as strangers and "temporary residents" . . . Your conduct among the surrounding peoples in your different countries should always be good and right, so that although they may slander you as evil-doers yet when troubles come, they may glorify God when they see how well you conduct yourselves . . . Obey every man-made authority for the Lord's sake . . . It is the will of God that you may thus silence the ill-informed criticisms of the foolish.

Taken from Ec. 10, II Cor. 1, I Tim. 1, 4, I Pt. 5, Tit. 1, I Pt. 2, The Everyday Bible
and The Phillips Translation. For free Lifescope book, write to Box 1575,
Carlsbad, NM 88221. Please send $1.00 for postage and handling.