1 Peter 4:4 “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”

Humility and integrity are crucial characteristics of believers. As Christians we must know who we are and live what we know. We should be humble because we know the sinful thoughts, actions, and attitudes that Christ rescued us from. Peter reminded the believers of this in verse 3, “you have spent enough time in the past doing what the pagans choose to do…” Christ rescued us from that life—we did not rescue ourselves. When we see the brokenness of the world around us, the Christian is moved with pity and humility because we know that except for Christ that is where we would be.

We must also live with integrity. We must live what we know. As soon as we separate ourselves from the mainstream, we are inviting attention. It is uncomfortable to have all eyes on us. It would be easier to go with the flow, but we are no longer part of this world’s kingdom. We belong to Christ. If we say we are Christ’s, we must live like we are Christ’s. Living in the world but not living of the world will make us stand out in ways that invite scrutiny. If we live with integrity, we may incite some to test our integrity through abuse.

One of the enemy’s chief tactics is confuse people with the mistaken idea that majority makes right. If everyone is doing it, it must not be wrong. You hear phrases like, “popular consensus,” “mainstream,” and “right side of history,” which make us feel like if we don’t agree with the majority then we must by default be wrong. When the lost are confronted with ideas and behaviors that make them question the safety of their position they may lash out. When the Holy Spirit confronts their sinfulness through the contrasting light of a believer’s righteous life, the natural response is to attack.

This is where it is crucial that we have humility and integrity. We must not take on superior airs but remember that the only difference between us and them is that we were rescued. We must patiently endure the trial, because God may be using this to bring them to repentance. We must act in integrity, because the authenticity of our faith may be being tested to see if what we are claiming is real.

Does your life hold up to scrutiny? Do your neighbors, family members, and children see that you are growing in your walk with Christ? How do you respond when you are attacked for not going along with the sinful ways of the culture? Do you respond with the attitude of Christ? Do you have humility and gentleness that might win the lost or do you respond with the pride and defensiveness that the world would expect? If not, confess and commit that to Christ.

Let us remember the sufferings of Christ and the holiness of Christ and arm ourselves with the same attitude as Christ, no matter the cost.