Peter reminds his readers, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11–12).

The picture is clear: Christians do not fully belong to this world. We are called strangers and pilgrims, people who are passing through on the way to our true home. That identity should shape how we live in a culture that often opposes God’s ways.

Peter warns against the desires of the flesh, not because they are harmless distractions, but because they are enemies that war against the soul. Sin is never neutral. It corrodes faith and weakens resolve of the Christian. Paul spoke similarly when he said, “Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14). To walk in holiness is not only to resist sin but also to recognize that we are in a battle where compromise leaves scars.

But Peter does not stop with personal purity. He calls for a life that is honorable in the sight of outsiders. It is striking that he acknowledges unbelievers will speak against Christians, accusing them of wrong. In the first century, disciples were charged with being disloyal to Caesar, of holding strange practices, even of stirring division. Yet Peter insists that the consistency of their good works could silence false charges and ultimately cause others to glorify God. Jesus had said something similar: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Application comes into sharp focus here. Every Christian has neighbors, coworkers, or classmates who may not share faith in Christ. Some may even mock it. The response is not retaliation but honorable conduct. Kindness to the difficult person, honesty when cutting corners would be easier, purity in a world that normalizes impurity, all these are quiet testimonies that speak louder than arguments.

There is a day of visitation coming, a time when God reveals His justice and His grace. On that day, the way we lived will matter. Our choices now can be used by God as part of His work to draw others toward Himself. Paul’s reminder in Galatians 6:9 speaks well here: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

We are travelers on our way home. The world may not understand us, but it watches. May our lives reflect Christ so clearly that even those who doubt today will be led to glorify God tomorrow.

By: Justin Odom