1 Peter 3:13,14
“Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED.”
Verse 13 describes how most people think. Who would harm you for doing good? Fortunately we can rely on this. Otherwise we would be a little paranoid.
Peter includes verse 14 because there are some that will oppose us for Christ’s sake. Jesus was crucified by them. The book of Acts has examples of people who persecuted for righteousness sake. Most of them were nonchristians who felt threatened for their faith.
Today we have a whole movement that was born in the 60’s that’s against christianity; multiculturism. They wouldn’t claim that, but the only faith they seem to criticize is christianity. They seem to desire to cleanse the western world of it. There is the banning of Merry Christmas. A judge in LA just declared that the cross should be removed from the county seal.
We have to walk a fine line. We need to honor God, but be careful when doing that at work. Some would be pleased to complain. They would see themselves as a 60’s protestor who is righing a wrong.
However, most are like verse 13; they would have no problem with us expressing faith. Probably not something they would do, but most are ok with it.
We have to do as Jesus says in Mark 12:17, “Render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s and to God is God’s.” Obey the rules of the workplace. It is allowed in particular contexts. For example we can speak of religeous holidays when they occur. But not out of context. If there are no restrictions, follow your heart and conscience.
Lord, help us to be wise in these matters. Help us to be bold in doing good.