Ever since the beginning of the world, the word of God has been mocked by others. The devil scoffed at God's word, saying to Eve, "You will not surely die" (Genesis 3:4b NKJV). In the New Testament, James said some were blaspheming "that noble name" by which his audience was called (James 2:7). There has always been and probably always will be others who mock God, his word, and the people who choose to obey it. These mockers will ultimately give an account to God (1 Peter 4:5). However, will we as people called by that noble name remain true to our Lord under such mockery?
The apostle Peter wrote of such happenings, and gave inspired instruction to those New Testament Christians which would enable them to withstand the onslaught of the world’s ridicule: Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (1 Peter 4:1-5).
To think something as strange is to react with surprise because what they observe is new to them, or a weird way of doing things. Peter says that is the reaction of the world toward faithful Christians. Therefore, we are to arm ourselves with the mind of Christ because the world will mock us. When Jesus walked this earth, many thought what he said was strange, even folks from his hometown. You may remember they didn’t just ridicule him, but also tried to kill him (Luke 4:16-30). Others eventually did when they crucified him, but Jesus rose from the dead. The inspired apostle tells us, But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:14). A faithful Christian can be happy because he knows he is pleasing his heavenly Father, so he doesn't have to be afraid of what men think of his behavior or speech. Let us look to Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and seek to not only act like him in times of stress, but also to think like him (arm yourselves also with the same mind). Remember, God is with you. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1 Pet. 4:14a).
No doubt about it, we live among a "perverse generation" (Acts 2:40). Though we are grieved by this, we can rejoice because we know our future is in heaven forever. Therefore, let us dedicate our lives to holiness through obedience to and reverence for God, because Jesus Christ redeemed us by his blood. Peter says, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:12). Isn't it a marvelous thought that if we maintain Christ-like behavior, those who mock us may decide to repent and obey Christ? Only the gospel can take a blasphemer and turn him into a servant of Christ (1 Timothy 1:12-17). "Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that... men will say, “This was their finest hour.”" - Winston Churchill Brotherly, Jamie
