The Watching World

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11-12, ESV).

 Quite a few years back, I overheard a conversation at church. A couple of people were discussing their plans for the summer and one of them made the statement, “I hope the Lord doesn’t come back today. I am going to Florida next week.”

There is nothing wrong with enjoying this life. Every blessing that we have is a gift from a kind God (James 1:17). Vacations are meant to be enjoyed. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest for the glory of God. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Yet, this world is not our home. It is human nature to put down roots where the Lord has said to drive down tent pegs. Rather than living in light of eternity, our default is to live for today. “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:9).

“Persecution is a reality, and so is sin. If we fail to keep eternity in view, it will be difficult to endure temptation.”

Persecution was a reality for the early church, and is still a reality that we need to prepare for. If our thoughts are only for today, and we don’t keep eternity in view, it will be difficult to endure. As Peter writes (v. 12), there is a world that is watching and it is hostile to the Christian, because it is at enmity with God (James 4:4). Persecution is a reality, and so is sin. If we fail to keep eternity in view, it will be difficult to endure temptation.

God’s Word is so good to us, and in this passage, we are given four things to remember, things that will help us not to become too comfortable in this world, and to keep a focus on eternity.

First, remember that you are loved by God. “Beloved, I urge you…” When trials come, when persecution confronts us, when difficulties arise, remember that you are loved by God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God’s love, as seen in giving His Son to die for our sins, is a truth that should keep our eyes on heaven and keep us pressing on.

Second, remember that you are a visitor here. “I urge you as sojourners and exiles…” A visitor, a tourist, lives differently than the locals do. There may be some local customs that may be adopted so as not to offend, such as taking off one’s shoes when entering an Asian home. However, our citizenship is elsewhere. Our culture and our customs are defined by another place—God’s kingdom. We don’t live according to local standards, but according to God’s Word. As a missionary, I traveled quite a few places. I often stayed in hotels. I did not remodel or redecorate my room, because I knew that I would be leaving soon. This world is not our home. We will soon be leaving. Fix your eyes on Christ and the place that He has prepared for you (John 14:2).

“There is a day coming when all will be made right, as we stand in His presence and enjoy Him forever.”

Third, remember that you are at war. “…which wage war against your soul.” In a sense, we are in enemy territory. This world, which we are just visiting, is a hostile place. It is under the limited dominion of the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). We must remain on guard, because we are at war. And though the war has already been won, there are battles to face every day. We resist the devil (James 4:7). We do not love the world (1 John 2:15). We abstain from the passions of the flesh (1 Peter 2:11). We keep our eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). We are at war, with our eyes fixed on our victorious champion.

Finally, remember that the world is watching. “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable…” Another translation renders this as, “Always let others see you behaving properly” (CEV). The world is watching and Jesus instructed, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Our lives should be marked by something that not only makes us different, but that makes God attractive to the godless culture around us.

Even as our good deeds are observed, we may still be slandered—out of guilt, out of jealously, insecurity—or simply because so many people love their sin, we may be falsely accused.  Don’t be surprised when it happens, “when they speak against you as evildoers.” Just remember that God loves you, that you are a visitor passing through. There is a day coming when all will be made right, as we stand in His presence and enjoy Him forever.

Things to Do:

• At this season of your life, which of the above points most inspires you to keep pressing on? Why?

• Read John 14:1-4. Think about the place that Jesus is preparing for you. Are you really looking forward to it? Are you looking forward to being with Him?

• Matt Redman’s “One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)” is a beautiful song for family worship.