Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, in this continuation of his series on living for God's glory, emphasizes that believers are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. This peculiarity demands conscientiousness in work life. Though strangers and pilgrims on earth, Christians must maintain their distinctiveness and reflect God's marvelous light. Wherever they find themselves, they must be law-abiding, avoiding the politics and idolatry of the workplace, and embracing godly work ethics. They should not engage in the same kinds of work as the world does merely for money. Instead, their goal should be to do their own business and work with their hands so that they lack nothing.
Living as Peculiar Saints
Honesty, sincerity, and a godly lifestyle should earn the testimony of the world. As peculiar saints, believers are not to be lawless. Those who forget their uniqueness and indulge in abominable practices will receive damnation. As pilgrims and strangers, the conscience is a good companion that helps believers live as they ought. It must be alive and awakened. Believers live in holiness while exhibiting the following virtues: honest and hardworking; observant and objective; loyal and law-abiding; incorruptible and influential; noble and nurtured; exemplary and experienced; submissive and sincere; selfless and strategic.
Following Christ's Steps
Believers are commissioned to follow Christ's steps and leave a gracious legacy by preserving God's word. To achieve this, they must adhere to several principles:
- Follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21): Emulate Christ's example.
- Be freed from sin (verse 22): As we follow Christ, we become sinless just as He was.
- Remain faultless while suffering (verse 23a): Do not allow suffering to cause compromise in salvation, sanctification, or eternal destiny through angry words or sinful practices.
- Faithfulness in surrender (verse 23b): When suffering for sound doctrine, surrender faithfully like Christ.
- Fruitfulness through sacrifice (verse 24): Willingly make sacrifices to bring multitudes to God's kingdom.
- Fellowship with the Saviour (verse 24b): Through Christ's sacrifice, we are dead to sin and alive in righteousness.
- Faith in His stripes (verse 24c): Trust in Christ's atoning work.
- Fearless under the Shepherd (verse 25): Christ, our Shepherd, delivers us from enemies.
- Fortified for service: We are empowered and emboldened to serve God effectively under His guidance.
Further reading: 1 Peter 2:11-12; Romans 15:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 1 Peter 4:11; Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Psalm 119:19,54; Hebrews 11:9-10,13-16; Micah 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:15; 3:16; 1 Peter 2:9,13-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:7; Romans 13:1-5; 1 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 2:19; 1 Peter 2:21-25.
