Aliens with good behavior

Today’s first reading (1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12) gives a different light on the idea that we are to be “in the world, but not of the world.”

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners
to keep away from worldly desires
that wage war against the soul.

Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles,
so that if they speak of you as evildoers,
they may observe your good works
and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Our life needs to be centered on God, for it is God who gives us eternal life.

The “life” that is offered by the world may look attractive and even (for a time) “feel good” but at best it pulls our focus from the eternal life and truth of God and too often requires us to do things that are wrong.

We are not of this world nor are we to act in worldly ways. We are aliens, but we are also ambassadors: called to give witness to the people of this world by our deeds and words.

We cannot let ourselves be affected by the evil and selfishness of this world, but neither can we retreat into bunkers. Rather, by God's grace, we must live our lives in ways that shine to the world with goodness, charity, and truth.