1 Peter 4:1-6

 1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same
attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result,
he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for
the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans
choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and
detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into
the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have
to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this
is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that
they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according
to God in regard to the spirit.

Reflection:
1. Peter describes the Roman world of his day as a society that has lost its mind
in excess.  Violence, oppression, cruelty, the abuse of power, and sexual
insanity dominate the landscape.  How is it possible for Christians to maintain
sexual sanity in a sexually overheated society?  At school, teens ridicule
Christian young people for not being involved in drinking and premarital sex.
Coworkers can’t understand why we don’t stop off at the local bar after work
to get drunk on Friday night.  And yet so many non-Christians quite sincerely
ask, “What do you do for fun?” They think it strange that we don’t plunge
with them into the same flood of dissipation.
2. And, as Peter warned, they “heap abuse on you.”  When that happens,
remember that you have been transformed by the love of Jesus.  With God’s
help, I will determine to be done with sin.  And my calling is to do the “will
of God”(v2)—to speak the truth of the gospel into the lives of those who do
not  yet know Christ as Lord.
3. Take some time to be silent before God and reflect:  How big is the influence
of the world, its trend, culture or value, to me? How can I live my life out
in contrast with those around me, but continue to pursue God’s mission in
building restored relationships with them?

Personal Note:
What makes me different than people of this world?  Do I follow the same trend, culture, and value?

For example, the world value individual that climbs the social ladder with education, career advancement, wealth, and status for bringing glory to the individual.  Jesus Christ value followers that reaches down the social ladder by using the gift of education, career, resources, and influences for brining the good news of Christ as part of God's work of redemption.