The first verse, taken by itself, seems to be a blanket promise of harm-free living from now to glory. (Oh how important context is!) Peter implies that the person who follows Jesus and therefore becomes a "good" person inside and out, has no one to fear. Hey, in most civilizations, the law won't come after you for being good. Your family and friends and neighbors may be jealous, but why would they want to harm you?Your enemies will be few, and they will much rather go after people who have hurt them in some way.

Being good has its rewards here and later too.

Wait though! We can't leave out verse 14. BUT, says the apostle, there are some other civilizations. There are other governments who in spite of all your goodness, will not like the motivating Force in your life, the Spirit of the Living God, Jesus. Satan has his cronies spread out everywhere and when they get wind of Whose you are, you have an enemy. And he can hurt you.

Peter gives us hope though: you are blessed anyway! Whether basking in Heaven's harm-free goodness or attracting uncalled-for attention from Hell, you are blessed.

Whatever happens, just set aside first place in your heart for the Lord (verse 15) and be ready to "testify." Not just in church. Someone wants to know your secret, tell them. Tell them humbly. No brow-beating. No Bible-thumping. Calmly look them in the eyes and say "The reason for my joy, my peace, my different way of living is Jesus and His daily cleansing Word."

Be sure though (verse 16) that you really do have a life that shines like this, that attracts attention to Heaven. Be sure that if they know you are a believer they also see your good works glorifying the Father. Otherwise you're in the sad situation of having to answer the question, "Didn't you say you were a Christian? Is this how Christians act?"