1st Peter 2:11. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” WAR AGAINST THE SOUL. I was born here, but now I am an alien I have lived here all my life, but I am a stranger I have citizenship, but this is not my home I live peaceably here, but to many I’m a danger.
There is a reason that I am different
There is a cause to which myself I owe I am a citizen now of heaven Living here where lusts war against my soul.
I have to say “Yes” when others say “No” When God gives a call for me to follow Him And I have to say “No” when others say “Yes” Because I am called to be separate from sin.
When some go down to enjoy sin’s waters I go up to be at the house of God When I go down to rescue the lost and perishing Others go up to bow at the idols of the world.
There is a part of me that wants to be accepted By all the people who live in “Vanity Fair” But as a stranger and a foreign pilgrim I must turn from it even though I live here.
This nation will pass, but God’s kingdom is forever This all will fail but heaven is for sure This all will never bring real satisfaction But I will be satisfied when like Christ I am pure.
“Father, please help me keep a pilgrim character and not be embarrassed by being a stranger. After all, my Lord was a “stranger to His mother’s children.” In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
We do not have to defend ourselves with words because "good works" do that in a more powerful and meaningful way. The unbelievers are not coming to a snap judgment on the spur of the moment, but have been observing the consistency of Christian conduct and actions that are beneficial. Their evaluation may be that which brings blessing to themselves, let alone "glorify God" in the day of inspection. That will be when the actions of the saints and sinners is inspected by God when He visits.
It is our hope that the "day of visitation" will be a time of salvation for sinners who have seen the high quality of life Christians live. Without skillful arguments or eloquent speeches, the attractiveness of the lives of believers influence them to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is to be expected that the contrast of the quality of living of a child of God and that of pagan unbelief, will open up slander from the "evildoers. Evidence of godly character and the power of the word of God being demonstrated in an individual's life cannot be discredited. Both in the day of grace when the Lord is saving souls, and in the day of judgment, God will be honored, and the lives of believers who live righteous lives and do good works, will be made plain by Him who judges justly.
How wonderful it is when those who one time criticized and opposed the Gospel, joins in praising God. The God who saved them both will be glorified. The image given is that of God as the "overseer" (a bishop) will diligently inspect the actions of believers and unbelievers alike. In view of that "day of visitation," we are challenged to "abstain" from any desire of the flesh that opposes the holiness of life and labor in which we are called to be engaged.