In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith -- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Caroline Hayes is a woman of principle. I know that because Caroline Hayes is still protecting Bruce.

A few weeks ago, Bruce, a 177-lb. pig, showed up on her small Australian farm. Caroline tended to Bruce's scrapes and bruises; fed him, and, in general, made him feel at home.

Bruce showed his gratitude by getting pushy and demanding more food than Caroline was able to share. When he didn't get what he wanted, Bruce went into Caroline's garage and destroyed a mattress; then, he bit a broomstick handle in two. Then, he started snapping at Caroline's ankles, and now he is butting her door at four in the morning.

Eventually, Caroline realized Bruce was keeping her captive in her own home.

Now, if Bruce were doing those kinds of things to me, he would soon be an honored guest on my table -- that's on my table, not at my table.

But Caroline, a vegetarian and animal lover, is a lady of principle. She called the authorities and asked them to take care of Bruce. She also requested that Bruce not be trapped, that he not be taken to the slaughterhouse, and that he not be hurt in any other way. Caroline, a lady of principle, just wanted Bruce to be removed.

I'm impressed that Caroline didn't desert her beliefs when the pig got pushy.

I think when Peter wrote the words that serve as the text for today's Daily Devotion, he was praying Christians might be just as principled when it comes to their faith.

Yes, times would be difficult; yes, the world would get pushy and send believers through various trials. In spite of the grief they might experience, Peter wanted those who had been washed in the blood of the risen Savior to hold fast to the articles of faith to which they had subscribed at their baptism.

Peter wanted believers to be Christian people of principle.

Why? Because the Lord, having brought us through these trials and persecutions, would refine our faith and make it better, purer, more valuable than it had been before.

Christians of principle, that's who we are -- no matter how much the world pushes.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, the world likes to make demands on us, to push us to the limit. Thankfully, because of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit we can be Your people of principle, holding fast to the faith we have been given. Father, help us hold on. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Hosea 1-4    Romans 14

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"