The Apostle Peter impassionedly pleaded,
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (I Peter 2:11)
This is a strong message for the followers of Jesus. Peter implored God’s people, as aliens on this planet, to desist from the evils of the world. Why? The lusts of the flesh are at war with the human soul! Rather, we are to live
having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles [or pagans], that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation [or judgement]. (I Peter 2:12)
God’s people are to live honestly among the dishonest. If they do, then even though slandered on earth, on the Day of Judgment, evildoers will have to glorify God because they saw the good deeds of His children.
Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake… For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. (I Peter 2:13a,15)
Again, through living a righteous life, God will be exalted. Peter said that is the will of God. The Lord wants His people to live purely in this world of impurity.
Many of the people who know about God but scorn to follow Him, cite the hypocrisy of so-called Christians that they see as a reason not to trust Jesus. Friends, this is horrible! One would never want another person to go to Hell because of how he lived. In fact, God commanded the opposite. Christians are to live in such a way as to remove the excuses from sinners who refuse to submit to God. Think about this, does your lifestyle draw others to God or push them away?