They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 1 Peter 4:4
For the majority of people in the world they have a view that anything is permissible. A person can do whatever he likes, as long as it does not directly hurt someone else.
With this type of thinking, people will do sinful acts as though there is nothing wrong. Not only do they do these things, but they also are surprised when someone else does not agree or participate in the activities with them.
After describing what believers were like, he now describes how believers are different from the world. The world is surprised when a believer no longer participates with them in reckless, wild living and they choose to abuse the believer.
One of the things that should mark a believer is the change in his lifestyle. Every believer is a person who was once just like the rest of the world, living in sinful ways. However, once becoming a believer, this should change.
As a believer, one should choose to no longer live in a sinful ways, but in a ways that serves and honors God and others.
Sadly, many in the church have not chosen to change their lifestyle as a believer, but to continue to live in sinful ways. Many have chosen to justify their sinful activities, so that the world is not surprised nor abusive towards them.
Every true believer, who chooses to turn from sin, will be abused by the world. The world will not understand why he will not participate and will call it hate when he doesn’t condone and participate in sin.
This will be one sign that a person is truly following Christ. If the world was to look at your life, what will they see? Will they see someone who is just like them, participating in all of the same activities? Or will they see someone who is different and against all sinful activities?
Only you and God know that true answer. Do not allow yourself to go back to the old, sinful way of living. Do not allow yourself to live your life as the world lives.
Be different in following Christ with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Be different in refusing to live in any sinful way, regardless of how small or big it is.
Is the world surprised with you?
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will live your life honoring God; that God will strengthen you to turn away from all past sins; that you will live differently than the world; and that the world will see that you follow God with all of your life.
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