Represent
When I was a boy, like many children of my generation, there was an expectation that my siblings and I would be on our best behavior when we were out and about. Whether we were visiting in someone’s home or dining in a restaurant, this rule was in effect. Many times people would remark how well behaved we were. My father took the reputation of our family name seriously, and he expected us to do the same.
Peter, similarly, exhorts Christians to live outstanding lives in public view. He calls us to honorable conduct and abstaining from the lusts we battle against. He reminds us that people are watching. The Gentiles (by which he means unbelievers) are going to criticize us. They will throw their verbal punches, but we can’t let them land.
Accusations stick when our behavior gives them something to stick to.
The way Peter encourages us to have victory in this is by reminding us who we are in Christ. We are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own special people.” He also wants us to remember our relationship to this present age. We are pilgrims and sojourners here. As the old song says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”
These realities are weapons we can use in the battle against attitudes and actions that lead to dishonorable conduct in the sight of the people we live and work around.
And more is at stake than just not being an embarrassment to the family of God. Those that watch us, the people who are paying attention to how we represent Jesus are being affected positively as well. Even when they unjustly criticize, some of them are being moved closer to Christ themselves.
Peter encourages us to remember that our good works are having an eternal impact. Some of the people who observe our good works will glorify God with us on the day of visitation.
So, live well today for Christ. Don’t give the world a reason to dismiss the gospel. Instead, let your light shine before men in a way that pushes back the darkness from their lives as well as your own.
