By E. A. Green
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Our conversation and behaviour is an indicator of what is going on inside us, within our heart. This is as we might expect because we are instructed elsewhere to diligently guard our heart because it sets the course that our lives follow (Pro. 4:23). In scripture the "heart" frequently refers to the deep wellspring of our being, the originating point of our conversation and behaviour. When our mind is centered upon the things of God and His will for us it has a direct and positive influence on the condition of our heart. Conversely, when our mind and affections remove from heavenly things and become centered upon ourselves -- pleasing ourselves and advancing our own agenda, then our hearts are influenced in a negative way and our conversation and behaviour will soon reflect it. In this passage, Peter tells us something about what we ought to be striving for-- internally within our heart and externally in our conversation with others. But notice it begins in the heart. He says, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." We do this by recognizing the fundamental relationship that exists between Him and us. He is our Lord and we belong to Him-- our time, our substance, and yes-- our hearts! Therefore we sanctify the Lord in our hearts by acknowledging that relationship and then consciously acquainting ourselves with His will, as revealed in the scripture, and implementing it in our lives. Simply "knowing" His will for us is not enough. In Luke 6:46 Jesus said, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" To be faithful in our calling we must also "do" His will. Our conversation and behavior will reflect whether or not we have truly sanctified the Lord in our hearts. Peter says we should "be ready always to give an answer...etc". Are we "ready" to give answer to others about our hope and beliefs? Are we "ready" to share our faith with others? It is a wonderful thing if we are! Sometimes we may think we're ready when in fact we're not. Regardless of how learned we may be in the scriptures we are not truly ready to respond to others until we have sanctified the Lord God in our hearts. The apostle Peter knew what it was like to not be ready and to answer hastily. He knew what it was like to give an answer that was Not motivated by a sanctified heart. On several occasions he experienced unnecessary grief because of this. It took a while but he did learn the lesson. Now he shares it with us. Rather than respond to the words and questions of others from a troubled heart (verse 14), he says we should give a response from a sanctified heart. A sanctified heart will produce a response that is accompanied by a spirit of meekness and reverential fear.
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