1 Peter 2:11-12 – Our mission as God’s beloved

It is interesting to note that Peter used an endearing term to address the believers in verse 11. He called them “beloved”. It gives us the feeling that believers are privileged to have this relationship with God. Being God’s people, their spiritual uniqueness and eternal purpose are all bound in Christ. With their status made clear, he was going to discuss about the price they had to pay for that privilege.

Peter wanted believers to know that they were obligated and their conduct had to be congruent with their status as the people of God. Bear in mind that Peter was writing to believers living in a hostile society. He was about to deal with godly living in three areas: (1) godly living in the society; (2) godly living in their work places; and (3) godly living in the home. In verses 11-12, he began first by dealing with their personal mission as God’s dearly loved people.

These two verses are vital to effective evangelism. Peter knew the call to be God’s witnesses would entail a godly lifestyle. Actions certainly would speak louder than words. Words carry more weight when backed up by actions. Hence, in verses 11-12, he began with a call for the believers to develop a godly lifestyle. Here, he provided three reasons why they should do so.

Firstly, they were “aliens” and “strangers” of this world. In other words, the believers’ real citizenship is not of this world and they do not belong here. This being the case, they should not be influenced by the lifestyle of this world. Secondly, the indulgent lifestyle of fleshly lusts would be in conflict with their new nature as the people of God. This would lead to turmoil within their souls. Thirdly, their godly lifestyle would also bear testimony to unbelievers. Peter’s point is this: if they, the believers, would persist in their God-honoring lifestyle, the evil accusations of their critics would be proven wrong, and their critics could be won to Christ.  

Peter also knew that for such a lifestyle to be enhanced, it had to begin from the inner man. The word “abstain” indicates the necessity for inward discipline. Abstinence would require strong inner resolve. Here, Peter was urging them to exercise inner restraint on indulging in worldly lusts. Secondly, there is the outward aspect, the part about keeping the behavior excellent. In other words, a believer’s uprightness should be tangible, obvious and visible. Believers must let their light shine for all to see. 

When the church of Jesus Christ understands her mission, we shall be the greatest force on earth that Satan has to reckon with. It must all begin with each one of us recognizing that we are God’s beloved and that our lives are wrapped around our identity in Him, and the eternal destiny we are called to. Bear in mind that we are God’s emissaries in the world today, so let’s live to fulfill our mission for His glory!