1 Peter 4:3-4: For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1 Peter teaches that following Jesus involves being “a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9) and living as “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11) who are set apart from this world. The word peculiar refers to the fact that the church is God’s purchased possession (see Strong G4047). As God’s people who are set apart for His purpose, Christians are different, and can even seem “strange” in the eyes of the world.
The one who has put off the old man (1 Peter 4:1-2) no longer fills his or her time with things such as “lasciviousness, lusts, [and] excess of wine,” but with soberness and prayer (verse 7), fervent charity (verse 8), hospitality (verse 9), and service to God and others (verses 10-11).
Living this life is not viewed as “normal.”
People “think it strange” when a man or woman chooses to stay at home instead of joining friends for a night of “partying.” “They think it strange” when a man and woman wait until marriage for sexual contact. “They think it strange” when one refuses to tell a lie, no matter how “small” the lie seems. “They think strange” when one avoids gossiping and murmuring. “They think it strange” when one is asked what plans he or she has for the evening and replies, “I have an hour set aside to pray” or “I’m studying Titus this evening.”
People will think it especially strange if we used to be just like them but now speak against the things we once did.
Telling people we are Christians does not necessarily change this perception. Our society sees Christianity as a belief that Jesus is the Son of God (which is good) and a choice to assemble with saints (which is also good). But presenting oneself as a “living sacrifice” to God (Romans 12:1) involves a lifestyle change (verse 2), and many find this change strange.
God’s people have long been tempted to “fit in” with the world (1 Samuel 8:20), but God does not desire this (James 4:4).
This doesn’t mean we can’t fit in with the world on things God is indifferent about, like whether we prefer chicken or steak.
When it comes to spiritual matters, though, we should not be “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). We should be different from the majority.
Though the world’s opinions of us can be discouraging, may we remember that this world is not our permanent home.
On the Day of Judgment, we will either be glad, or wish, we took the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:14)…the path just a few seemingly “strange” people take.
– Michael Hickox