Keep Your Behavior Excellent

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Peter 1-2

Peter described Christians as being like “aliens and strangers” (1 Peter 2:11) because this world is not our home. Therefore, we are to be different from the world. So Peter urged his brethren to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).

The world around us has given itself over to sin. We see all kinds of wicked behaviors practiced and celebrated in our society. Under these circumstances, we are going to stand out if we strive to follow the teachings of Christ.

In fact, because we are so different from the world, we may face opposition and persecution for our faith. Yet Peter encouraged his readers not to compromise and try to fit in so that the world would accept them. Instead, he wrote, “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).

If our behavior is what it ought to be, others will notice. Some will oppose us and look for any reason to accuse us of doing wrong. Yet we must consistently do what is right – not just to please the Lord, but also that our example may eventually influence them to accept the truth and “glorify God” as well.

So keep your behavior excellent. Those in the world want us to be just like them, yet we must be different. Not only will this save us, but we may be able to save some of them as well.