1 Peter 2

Yesterday was a rough day. I think we are offered somewhat of an explanation as to why we have these days in 1 Peter 2, as we see today. The simple thing is that we are not part of this world. Once we commit ourselves to Christ, we no longer belong to the ways of this world. From that point forward, everything feels out of place. We can often feel lost and confused in a world that runs very differently from how we run our own lives. It is no wonder that the blues, and even depression, can set in.

9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live 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 2:9-12

Verse 11 sums things up best here. This is a war against our souls in which we can feel like we are winning or losing at any moment. The world does not agree with us. It doesn’t take a long look at the media to see that many Christians are painted as right-wing nutjobs afraid of change. Christianity almost carries a negative connotation in some circles because it offers beliefs that greatly differ from others. It is in how we live our lives, as an example unto Christ painted here, that makes a difference.