Ken

When you hear the phrase “the good life,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s having more money in the bank. Less stress. A backyard grill and a good cup of coffee. There’s nothing wrong with any of those things. But Peter shows us something deeper. He’s writing to believers who are trying to do good… and yet, life isn’t getting any easier. Instead of giving them an escape plan, Peter reframes the conversation. The good life isn’t always the easy life. But it can still be a beautiful one. A Beautiful Life Starts with a Beautiful Heart Peter writes: “Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8) Living the good life begins with how we treat people. Like-minded doesn’t mean we agree on everything—but it means we agree on what matters most. Sympathetic and compassionate means we don’t just feel for people - we…

Here’s a news flash you already know: relationships are hard work. Whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors, getting along with people—especially the ones we live with—can be a real challenge. That’s why Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3 are so helpful. He paints a picture of harmony in the home. But here’s the surprise: Harmony doesn’t come through control. It comes through humility. Respect Speaks Louder Than Words Peter starts by writing to wives: “…submit yourselves to your own husbands so that… they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives…” (1 Peter 3:1) Let’s be honest—the word submit makes a lot of people uncomfortable today. But Peter isn’t calling for passivity or silence. He’s describing something stronger: quiet strength and character that influences without force. Respect, patience, and humility—those qualities don’t go unnoticed. They’re powerful witnesses, especially at home. Here’s a good question for each…

Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? It’s frustrating. It’s unfair. And—believe it or not—you’re in good company. Jesus knows exactly what that feels like. Over the last 30 years, I’ve learned something that has helped me through hard times: Suffering with Jesus has purpose. Unjust Suffering Is Real Peter was writing to Christians who were going through real suffering. Some were even servants with harsh masters. And here’s what he told them: “It is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.” (1 Peter 2:19) In other words, just because you’re suffering doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Sometimes, doing the right thing leads to hardship. Peter reminds us that God sees when we endure pain for doing good. And He honors it. Jesus Is Our Example “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you…

Have you ever tried walking the wrong way on one of those moving sidewalks at the airport? Everyone else is coasting along in one direction, but if you want to go the other way - it takes effort. And a clear sense of where you’re headed. That’s what it feels like to follow Jesus sometimes. In a world moving one way, we’re called to live differently—not to impress people, but to impact them. What Does It Mean to Live with Honor? Peter puts it like this: “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires… Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” (1 Peter 2:11–12) In other words: Even if you don’t feel like you “fit in” with the culture around you—you can still stand out in the right way. Peter gives us two big…

There’s a guy I play pickleball with who never quite gets my name right. Some days I’m Jeff. Other days I’m Roger. I just roll with it. But it’s a funny reminder that names matter. Identity matters. The truth is, a lot of Christians have forgotten who they are. We let the world define us. We let our past haunt us. We wear labels that God never gave us. But Peter gives us a better name. He says, “Remember who you are.” Who Are You, Really? Here’s what Peter says: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” (1 Peter 2:9) Let’s unpack that. 🟡 You are a chosen people You’re not a mistake or a leftover. God picked you. Not because you were the smartest or most talented—but simply because He loves you. In a world that makes people feel forgotten or…