By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi

Beleivers are “…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” Our peculiarity demands conscientiousness in our work life. Though strangers and pilgrims, we must maintain our distinctiveness, reflecting God’s marvelous light in our lives. Besides, wherever we find ourselves, we should live with the understanding that we have to be law-abiding.

We must avoid the politics and idolatry at work or marketplace, and instead embrace a godly work ethics. We should also not do the kind of work the people of the world do to make money. Rather, our goal must remain to “do (our) own business, and… work with (our) own hands… (to) have lack of nothing.” Our honesty, sincerity and godly lifestyle should earn the world’s testimony.

As peculiar saints, we are not to be lawless. Those who forget their uniqueness and peculiar characteristics and become lawless, indulging in abominable practices, “shall receive to themselves damnation.” As pilgrims and strangers, our conscience is a good companion that makes us to live the way we ought. It must be alive and awakened. We live in holiness while exhibiting the following: 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.

Believers are commissioned to “follow (Christ’s) steps” in leaving a gracious legacy behind for others to follow by preserving God’s word. For this to become a reality, we must adhere to the following principles: one, follow His steps (verse 21). This is to emulate Christ’s example. Two, be freed from sin (verse 22). As we follow Christ, we will be sinless just as He was. Three, remain faultless while suffering (verse 23a). We must not allow suffering to force us to compromise our salvation, sanctification and eternal destiny through angry words or sinful practices.

Four, faithfulness in surrender (23b). When suffering for upholding sound doctrine, we should surrender faithfully like Christ. Five, fruitfulness through sacrifice (verse 24). We must willingly make sacrifices to bring multitudes to God’s kingdom. Six, fellowship with the Saviour (verse 24b). Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are dead to sin and alive in righteousness. Seven, faith in His stripes (verse 24c). Eight, fearless under the Shepherd (verse 25). Christ, our Shepherd, delivers us from our enemies. Nine, fortified for service. We are empowered and emboldened to serve God effectively without weakness under His guidance.

• Further reading (King James Version): 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.