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Category Archives: Spiritual Walk

Together Minded

Together Minded

We’re currently going through Peter’s first letter to the church. To review where we are at this point, in chapter 2, Peter started talking about our good lives silencing our critics.

When they see how we live, it draws them to Christ. A big part of this is our attitude toward authority, government, the workplace, and the home. But our biggest witness is how we act in the church.

Jesus said, in John 13:35, that everyone would recognize that we are His disciples. How? Because we obey the law? Because we have a nice family? NO! They’ll recognize it because we have love for one another.

This is what Peter is going to talk about in the next section we look at.

These are the goals if we want to draw people to Christ. The first of these goals is to live together in harmony. He uses 5 Greek words in this section to describe this harmony.

He starts with the word harmony itself. It’s a word that means together-minded. This goes against everything we want to strive for in American independence. We want to be able to say, “I accomplished this all by myself.”

That’s not how it works in the church of Jesus Christ. We are a body of believers. We are called to do this together. It’s never about what one person can do by himself or herself.

We need to cultivate a “together mindset”. It’s the knowledge that I’m going to have to work with others if I’m going to accomplish my destiny in Christ.

The next word he uses is translated as sympathetic in English. That word literally means together-passioned. This means that we are all passionate about the same thing.

In my experience, this is one of the hardest things to work on in the church. It requires us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. This way we can take on God’s heart. We can all be passionate about what God is passionate for.

Then there’s brotherly love. We must recognize that we’re a family. But we’re more than that – we’re closer than blood relatives. That’s because we’ve been blood bought. We are all together in the family of Christ.

The next descriptive word is compassionate. This takes some explanation because the exact translation is good spleen. This is because the ancient Greeks saw the spleen as the seat of our emotions. This speaks about maintaining a good attitude while with your fellow believers.

The final word Peter uses is literally humble courtesy. We need to learn to treat people correctly. There are times I’ve seen Christians treating each other poorly, because “they have to walk in forgiveness.” We need to use common courtesy with one another.

All of these traits are how we should live together to accomplish God’s will. Paul said the same thing.

The word agree in this verse is where we get our English word, symphony. The church should be a symphony of different instruments for God’s glory. We are not all the same, but we are playing the same song under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 

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Home Submission

Home Submission

We’re continuing through the book of 1 Peter. We’re currently in a section of Scripture dealing with the different areas of society where we need to be under submission. I understand that this is a controversial word in some sectors.

However, I’m going to try and give the biblical teaching. I want to show the true Scriptural way that we are to arrange ourselves under the structures of human society.

The purpose of this is to bring the Gospel into all the structures of society. So that through us, Christ can be seen.

Today, Peter is talking about the home.

The actual words used in this verse are more general than this translation makes it seem. Peter says to women, in the same manner, arrange yourself under your own man.

When we were going through some of Paul’s writings, he talked about the three phases he saw in the lives of Christian women.

Phase one was the virgin, submitted to her father’s authority. Phase two is the married woman, submitted to her husband’s authority. Phase three is the widow, submitted to Christ’s authority.

Right now, our society has a huge single female population. Scripturally, this is uncharted territory. There are those who are single and on their own. There are those who are divorced, with children. These are just a couple of examples.

In this post I want to start with the husband and wife relationship. In the marriage relationship, the wife must arrange herself under her own husband. That being said, I want to deal with some unscriptural views.

First of all, I have to give the truth that all women are NOT called to submit under all men. A wife is only to arrange herself under her own husband. I know there are some who teach that all women are to submit under all men. That is simply not Scriptural.

The next thing I have to clear up is that arranging yourself under does NOT mean you are a slave to that person. Again, I know there are some who teach that the husband is the supreme ruler of the home.

Remember from chapter 2, that submission is an internal thing. It is not to be forced from the outside by the husband. It’s a condition of your heart.

In actuality, the husband is not the head of the home. I will leave you with this verse as proof of this truth and continue in my next post.

Without a doubt, Christ is to be the head of the home.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 23, 2025 in Relationships, Spiritual Walk

 

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Christ in the Workplace

Christ in the Workplace

As we continue through Peter’s first letter, we’ve been talking about how we relate in the workplace. In my last post, I talked about how we are to be a copy of Christ in our workplace.

But, if we’re to be an accurate copy of the Lord, we need to know how He worked. Needless to say, His workplace was the cross. Peter uses this as the prime example for us to follow.

The first thing we’re told is that there was no sin or trick in His mouth. That’s a big issue. When it comes to the workplace, how often does our tongue get us into trouble. When it does; do we try to get out of it by defensiveness or deceit?

We need to be careful of what we say and how we react.

This is one of the hardest parts of being a true copy of Christ. When He was abused, He did not reply with abuse. When He suffered, He didn’t threaten. This was true even though the Lord knew the authority of His position.

He used the proper channels. The Lord surrendered all of His rights to God the Father. He’s the only one who will give a just decision. Christ was vindicated. The proof of this was the resurrection.

So many people complain about unfair treatment in the workplace. Here we see that Christ Himself suffered the most unfair treatment in the history of the universe.

Fair would have been for me to be eternally separated from God. Instead, Jesus Christ paid for my sins. That is supremely unfair.

Think about that the next time you believe that someone is treating you poorly in a way you don’t deserve. I thank God regularly that He wasn’t fair in dealing with my sin.

Christ did this because He saw the whole picture. The Lord knew that it was the only way to purchase our salvation. I’m so glad that He did.

Here’s the bottom line for all of us in the workplace. We need to remember where we came from to where we are now. We were all lost, without hope. Now we are a part of God’s family, if we’ve accepted the gift of the Lord’s salvation.

We need to constantly be aware that our ultimate Supervisor, Shepherd, and Inspector is Christ. But He goes deeper than any earthly supervisor. The Lord oversees our soul. This means that He not only decides based upon your treatment of others, but your attitudes as well.

That speaks volumes about our place in this world. Bring Christ to your workplace!

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 

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The Light in Your Workplace

The Light in Your Workplace

We’ve been studying through the book of 1 Peter. In my last post I talked about the place of godly submission in your workplace. When you align yourself correctly, your co-workers see the difference in your life.

The fact is that your workplace needs the Good News of Jesus Christ. For that to happen, you need to see things from God’s perspective. You’re not there just to sell cars or fix broken pipes. You’re there to bring good news to the system.

Notice that the assumption of this verse is that you want credit. In this context, credit is a good thing. It means an obvious renown. You’re being noticed for the good life you’re living.

On the other hand, if you’re punished for your mess up – you deserve it. That’s not the trouble Peter wants to deal with. He’s talking about suffering even though you’re living right in God’s eyes.

It’s important that we understand that word, commendable. The apostle is literally saying, this is the grace near God. What is this special grace? If you’re in the workplace doing good AND you suffer for it AND you endure and don’t give up…this is the place of grace near God.

Am I saying that you can never leave a dead-end job that treats you like dirt? No – God wants your best. Listen to the Holy Spirit. He will let you know if it’s time to leave. Or He may even change your boss’s attitude.

This is where we get into the difficult issues. Peter brings the subject of calling into the discussion. In my experience, this is something most people don’t want to deal with.

But the truth is that God’s grace for you is directly tied to your calling. I’m sure you understand that no matter where you go there will be trouble, that you didn’t cause. The question is, will you receive the grace to endure it?

This verse assumes that you are walking in your calling. The trouble is that many believe that calling only deals with what you’re called to do. Actually, calling includes what you’re called to do, the place you’re called to do it, and the time when you are called.

Too many people leave the place of their calling because of the challenges. At that point they miss out on the grace they could have received to make it through.

These challenges are a part of our calling. You may ask, “Why do I have to endure problems caused by others?” The answer is simply, “Because Christ was.”

This passage has a very interesting structure in the Greek. It says that Christ suffered over us. He did this to leave us an example – literally an underwriting. Like a piece of paper under carbon paper, like we used to use to make copies (back in the old days!). You could always tell the copy because it was blue.

He suffered over us and left us behind as the underwriting, that we should walk where He walked. We are the copy. So, we are to be a copy of Christ to our workplace. That’s seeing the whole picture.

It’s not only about your happiness and benefits. It’s about the eternal destination of everyone you work with.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
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Posted by on April 18, 2025 in Ministry, Spiritual Walk

 

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The Flow of Authority

The Flow of Authority

I’ve been writing about Peter’s first letter to the church. In my last post, I started talking about godly submission to authorities. We concluded by seeing that submission is always to the powers established by God, not to a person.

This is important to understand, because power always flows down the authority structure. But that brings up a question. What structures are there?

Actually, there are four authority structures that God has established. They are the government, the home, the church, and the workplace. It’s through these that authority flows down from the throne of God to the individual.

When they first hear this, some say that I missed one – the school system. No, God didn’t establish that structure independently. Scripture tells us that the parents are to train up their children. So in reality, the school is under parental authority.

As we talk about godly submission, the true question is “How do I submit?”

We need to be reminded of this truth sometimes. That word, obedient, literally means to allow yourself to be persuaded by. Submission always allows persuasion to take place.

“What if I don’t like that person?” It doesn’t matter. The only case where you would rebel against the person is if that person contradicted the known will of God.

It’s like what happened when the Jewish Sanhedrin ordered the disciples not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus. These believers made it clear that they had an obligation to serve God rather than man.

Now we can understand what Peter was saying. We must be under submission to the ultimate and sent authorities. That means we must place ourselves in a position to be persuaded by their leadership.

Peter continues by showing us God’s purpose through all of this.

Peter always speaks his mind. This is quite the verse if you read it in the original Greek. The apostle says that it’s God’s will that through your doing good, you can muzzle the ignorance of the mindless people.

It’s the next verses that are the key in speaking about submission.

Here he tells us to live our lives unrestrained. Yet, as we do this, we don’t hold our freedom as a cloak for evil.

As God’s people, we understand power. We serve the ultimate power. Submitting to the office that people hold, allowing ourselves to be persuaded by the person holding that position.

Then we must place the correct value on everyone. This includes love for fellow Christians. Fear of God and honor for government officials. We must place ourselves in the position of correct submission.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 

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Ready for Inspection

Ready for Inspection

We’re continuing through Peter’s first letter. He’s been writing about who we’re called to be in Christ. He wants all believers to live up to their calling.

Now he talks about what the world sees in us.

Peter makes a very interesting statement here that we should take note of, especially in this generation. The opening phrase literally reads that we should busy ourselves, being seen as good and valuable among those in the world.

This brings into question how the world sees us acting on social media. (Yes, I’m going to go there!) How do we treat each other in front of the world? Everything we say and do is public, for all to see these days.

We need to live our lives with the knowledge that everything we say or do is noticed on the world stage. They’re going to judge our Lord based upon how we act or treat each other.

We need to start reflecting the attitudes of Christ more and more in our online dealings. And we’re to live this way, even if we’re accused of doing wrong. That’s true even when we’re labeled as haters for speaking truth.

This verse says that the world will inspect the good works which come out of your life. Then, will glorify God on the day of His visitation. It’s interesting that this phrase means the day of inspection.

That brings up a good question. What is this day of visitation? First of all, I don’t believe that it’s talking about the second coming of Christ. It sounds like a temporary thing for only a season.

Jesus told the people of Jerusalem that they would be judged for not perceiving it.

This is the same phrase used by Peter. They would be conquered because they didn’t recognize their day of visitation.

We read some of the promises of God in the Scripture. Then, we think that when the list of qualifications for a promise is met – we get the fulfillment.

In reality, God sets a day of inspection. We may have already met the criteria at some point. But then, if we don’t continue in that way of life, we fail the inspection and don’t obtain the promise.

God wants the world to see His blessing on our lives. But, in order for that to happen, we must live for Him on a consistent basis. We can’t be trying to live for Christ and ourselves at the same time.

Paul said it well.

It’s time for the church to be who God says we are. Especially online in front of the world. We must always realize that we’re constantly under inspection.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 

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Who Are We? Part 2

Who Are We? Part 2

As we go through 1 Peter, we’re now in chapter 2 looking at Peter’s description of the church. This is the legacy that we’re striving to live up to.

In my last post, I talked about believers as a chosen people and a royal priesthood. The next thing Peter calls us is a holy nation. This literally speaks of a holy, set apart, ethnic group.

The fact is that we have a new ethnicity, no matter where our families are from originally. We are a part of a new race of people.

We must come to the realization that we’re a holy race. A race has a particular set of customs and attributes. This usually includes their own language. A race of people have their own view of how the world works.

That should be the attitude of our life in the body of Christ. That’s why there’s no place for prejudice or bigotry in the church. We are a new group of people tied together in the bonds of the Spirit.

Peter goes on to call us a people belonging to God. This means that we’re a people group who were acquired into a particular time, place, or purpose.

Based on the context, this tells me that we’re a people acquired by God for a particular purpose. This verse is very clear as to what this purpose is. That purpose is to declare a particular message.

Like it or not, your main purpose is to declare the praises, valor, greatness, of the One who rescued us. Your purpose is not to amass as much money or toys that you can. It’s not to climb to the top of your chosen profession.

Our goal is to bring glory to the One who took us out of darkness and obscurity. We have now entered into His light. This place of light is wondered at, marveled at by all who perceive it.

This is who we are right now. I find that absolutely incredible! But there is a problem, however.

The challenge is that we’re at war. But it’s not against the world or the devil. According to this verse, the longings of our flesh serves in a strategic military campaign against our soul – which is our mind.

Believe it or not, our flesh is very crafty. It does everything in its power to get us to think that we’re not select, kingly, holy or needed for a particular purpose.

Peter is inviting us, calling us to refrain from these desires. We need to fight against the thoughts that we’re the same as everyone else in the world. If we fulfill these longings, we reinforce the lie of the flesh.

We then look at ourselves incorrectly and say that we’re no different than anyone else. We need to remain strong in His Word about who we are. That’s what will keep us headed in the right, upward direction.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 

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Who Are We? Part 1

Who Are We? Part 1

We’re looking at Peter’s first letter to the church. He’s been talking about us as the living temple of the Holy Spirit. Now he continues to describe us as the people of God.

In this section of Scripture, he’s talking about who we are in Christ. He compares who we are now to who we were before.

In the past we were not one people group. We all come from different backgrounds. We are from multiple ethnicities, social, economic, and educational backgrounds.

However, right now, we are one new group – we are God’s people.

In the past, we could not expect any rewards from God. But now, in Christ, we have obtained rewards from God. The fact is that because of the Lord’s work on the cross, you and I now qualify.

That’s what I want to talk about in the next couple of posts. Who we are now and what this means to us. Let’s look at how Peter describes us.

The first thing he says is that we’re a chosen people. A better translation would be that we are a chosen generation. It’s talking about a generation in the sense of a newly generated – newly created – group of people.

Think of it like how in our society we have different generations. There are the Baby Boomers, Baby Busters, Gen X, etc. Each of these groups share like experiences and form many of the same opinions. Sometimes their ways are foreign to the other generations. We call that a Generation Gap.

According to Scripture, we are a chosen, selected, newly formed group. I’m no longer a Boomer, I’m now a member of the select, the chosen people of God. So, theoretically, there should be no “gap” in Christian homes.

That’s because we’re all a part of the same new group. We’ve been born again under the same conditions.

The next thing that we’re called is a royal priesthood. The word royal means kingly. In Christ, we have the authority of kings in this world – under Jesus the King of kings.

We’re also a part of the priesthood of believers. That means we represent Christ to the world, but we also stand before God on behalf of others.

We are a kingly priesthood. What does it mean to be kingly? A king walks differently, acts differently, talks differently.

That’s because they know that everything they do comes under scrutiny. Do you understand that we’re being watched closely?

I’m not just talking about the Lord watching over us. The world is watching all that we do. I know that there’s some believers who say, “They shouldn’t be watching me. I’m human, just like them.”

Get over it. They inherently know that as believers we have a higher calling. They are going to watch us more closely. They want to see if what we have is the real thing.

There have been times when the most unlikely people have come to me asking for prayer either for themselves or a loved one. That’s where our priesthood comes into play. They’re looking for truth. Will they find it in us?

That’s why we need to be in the Word and in prayer. We must be ready for the Spirit’s leading.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
 

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God’s Temple

God’s Temple

We’re continuing through the epistle of 1 Peter. In my last post, I talked about how together, we’re being built up into a building for God to inhabit.

But just building the house is not enough. This house must have a purpose – it’s a temple to the living God. We’re to offer sacrifices in the temple of God.

We’re actually called to minister in God’s house. We’re a priesthood set apart to God. Our job is to offer spiritual sacrifices. What exactly are these sacrifices? Paul explained this to us.

It’s clear from this verse that we’re to offer up our lives – that is the sacrifice the Lord is looking for. This sacrifice is anything that reminds us that we’re not our own. We belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

This can even include the offerings we bring to the Lord for His work.

When we praise the Lord in spite of our circumstances, that’s an acceptable sacrifice as well.

This verse also shows us the importance of blessing others. God sees that as a sacrifice before Him. That’s because all of these things are an expression of our faith in Him.

But there’s another side to this.

We show that we value the Lord as we walk in faith before Him. But what if I don’t want to? This is talking about willful disobedience.

If reject faith in Christ, that doesn’t change who He is – He’s still the Chief Cornerstone. But, instead of being that which keeps you straight and aligned with His will, He becomes a stone of stumbling to you. That literally means that you keep stubbing your toes on Him.

It also says that He’s a rock that makes you fall into a trap. When you know what God says, and live differently, you stumble into a trap with your eyes open.

Given the two choices, I would personally prefer the Cornerstone. We must allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us. In that way we become lined up with the will of God.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
 

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Building a Spiritual House

Building a Spiritual House

As we continue through Peter’s first letter, he’s been talking about growing up into maturity. Now he’s going to change the description to that of a building being built.

In talking about God’s spiritual building, we’re told that Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone. The cornerstone has to be perfectly square. The rest of the house is straight because of this stone.

Peter tells us that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church because He is select and valuable. The whole building, all of us, must look to Him for direction.

Paul talks about this building. He says that we are…

Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. He is the chief cornerstone. With Him the Old Testament Prophets and the New Testament Apostles form the two sides of the foundation.

The good news is that we also have a part in this structure. How does this work? The above verse from 1 Peter tells us that we come toward Him – THE Living Stone.

He was rejected by mankind but accepted, selected, by God. That makes Him precious, valuable to God the Father.

If we are truly trusting in Him, then we value the Lord as well. That’s why we come toward Him. Our desire is to line ourselves up with His will.

That’s the key to a successful Christian walk. We must value the spiritual house God is building. So I have to ask; is God’s work valuable to you? Is it worth something?

We usually stumble over the question of worth. There is an internal battle between our desire for personal pleasure vs. the worth of serving God. If I value Christ – I come toward Him, lining myself up with His will.

As we work together for the Lord, we’re becoming a spiritual house. We’re a part of the structure of His house.

One thing we have to remember is that God is constructing the house. Jesus said that…

However, He builds it through us. We have to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Word of grace, love, prophecy, and encouragement are all things that build the church. We have to line ourselves up according to God’s plan.

Along with that, we must help others to line themselves up with Christ. We need to show a care one toward another. In this way we proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the world around us.

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi

 
 

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