Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles. (1 Pet. 2:11–12)
Holy Lives
As God’s children we bear some specific responsibilities in a world that often rejects us. One of those responsibilities is to live a holy life. This is what Peter is talking about when he tells us to “abstain from fleshly desires” and to “conduct [ourselves] honorably.” To be holy is to be set apart. As Christians we are set apart; we are not like the world. Our lives must be distinct, reflecting the character of God to a watching world.
Witnesses
Along with a call to holiness is a call to be a witness. Really, the two cannot be completely separated. Our holy and distinct lives are meant to call attention to God, particularly in the eyes of those who are hostile to us. This passage teaches that it is possible for us to live in such a way that the enemies of God will turn to Him as they observe God’s work in our lives. We are, as 1 Peter 2:9 puts it, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession.”
Of course, we’re also responsible for graciously witnessing with our mouths (see 1 Pet. 3:15–16). Our verbal witness is meant to work in tandem with the witness of our lives. A holy, generous, and joyful life is attractive to others. It glorifies God and opens the door for sharing our faith.
Bottom Line
While we enjoy great privileges as believers, we must never forget our responsibility to live for Him and to make Him known to others.