Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead… If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (vv. 1-5, 14-16).
Living according to the ways of the world is something that lies in our past. Yet, we are still in the world and are surrounded by opportunities to fulfill our sinful human passions. When we choose to be satisfied in Christ instead of in those things, worldly people usually don’t understand and may even revile us. Don’t let their mocking keep you from living according to God’s calling for you as a Christian. We will be mocked, but in being mocked for our Lord, we are blessed. Keep living for God despite opposition, for in doing so, you glorify God.
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