A person who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior becomes a resident of Heaven and becomes an alien of this world. As aliens, there are challenges that come with living “in” this world and aligning our action as someone not “of” this world. In 1 Peter 2 through the end of the letter, Peter describes how we can thrive in this world as we look forward to our place in Heaven.
In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter strongly encourages the reader, who is an alien in this world, to abstain from “sinful desires that war against your souls.” There is an active battle raging for the minds and souls of men. Peter has already shown the security of the believer in 1 Peter 1:5. Even in the life of a believer, there is a battle between the way we should live and the sinful desires within us. As we abstain from these sinful desires, we will have a powerful witness with those we come into contact with.
Our lives, when lived for God, become a witness and an opportunity to glorify God. Peter writes, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 1:12 Wow! The way we live our life matters. Peter is writing about a life that is above reproach, meaning that if someone tried to find something to accuse you of, they would be unable to find anything. This type of clean living has a direct effect on our witness. We validate or invalidate our witness with the actions of our lives. The good deeds of our lives become evident to those around us that lead to praise and glory for God. This is a demonstration of who we are in Christ, a new creation with new desires.
People are watching you. They want to know if your lifestyle matches what you say you believe. They want proof that there is a difference in the life of a believer when compared to the life of a “pagan.” Could it be that we are reluctant to speak for Christ because our lives contradict what we know to be true?
Clear Application for Today
- Realize that there will be a struggle as you live as an alien in a hostile world.
- Declare war on the sinful desires that rage in your life. 2 Corinthians 10:5
- Confess sin, receive God’s forgiveness, and pray for God’s strength to live the “good life” Peter is writing about.
- Look for opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with those whom you come in contact with.