beloved grace

A Devotion by Mary Ann Allen

Peter was a man that was part of the inner circle of men who followed Jesus. He even walked on water with Jesus for a short time. He saw Jesus transfigured and he witnessed the empty tomb. When he was killed, it is said that he was crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy to die like Jesus did. 

However, this spiritual powerhouse was tempted and he failed. Jesus even told Peter how it would happen. A rooster would be involved and it would happen after Jesus was arrested. And it happened just like Jesus said it would. Within an hour’s timespan, Peter denied knowing Jesus three different times. As honorable and close to Jesus as Peter was, he fell to the temptation of not knowing His Master. Of course, Peter was forgiven later when Jesus appeared on a beach sometime after His death. He specifically asked Peter if he loved Him. He did that 3 times. Coincident? No way.  (Read John 21:15-17)

When we lower our standards in any situation, we open ourselves up for temptation and to sin. We should stay away from people who draw us down spiritually. Avoid temptations like a romantic relationship or a close friendship with someone who we have no business being around. We shouldn’t ever compromise our spiritual principles just to fit in or to not offend someone. Don’t allow bad company to corrupt us in any way. 

“Don’t be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33