Doubt & Devotion

1 Peter 2:11-12 ¹¹ Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. ¹² 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.

As believers, we may have a special calling as the elect of God, but we should never forget the reality of our social estrangement. We should have realized at the onset that we do not belong to this world but to another. Society often misunderstands us and tries to fit us into its mold, but that would never happen for we are but pilgrims on this earth.

Followers of Christ are strangers on earth, and as transients and resident aliens, we are accorded limited privileges, contrary to what the world makes us believe. No matter what, the world will always find us suspicious because of our faith, and we will always be vulnerable to the fear of the “local populace.” It would seem that they are accepting of us, but at the back of their minds, they will always treat us as an ongoing threat to the common good.

To ensure that we don’t disrupt the peace, society will lure us with things that feed our cravings, the same cravings associated with the corrupt behavior of unbelievers. But we have been set free from our former way of life and have become holy children of God. As such, we are commanded to hold ourselves away from deceptiveness, godlinessness, and lust that all have a deadly effect on our souls.

Ancient Greece had a concept called kalos kai agathos, which described an ideal person who was both physically and morally good. In the same way, we are to maintain our reverent and honorable conduct throughout the time of our residence as aliens and strangers. We are to behave as leading and honored citizens. Our virtuous deeds will not only silence and refute slanders thrown at us, but will cause our detractors to glorify God.

Father, help me live with holy restraint and honorable conduct as a sojourner in this world. Strengthen my witness so that my life may bring glory to You even in the midst of temptations. Amen.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.