The call to live as a Christian is a call to embody excellence in every facet of life, reflecting the character of Christ in a world that often opposes godly values.
1 Peter 2:12 NLT captures this imperative : “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” This sets a standard of excellence, urging believers to live in such a way that their conduct not only withstands scrutiny but also glorifies God. Excellence in Christian living is not about perfection but about a deliberate, consistent pursuit of holiness, integrity, and love that points others to Christ.
Excellence begins with a heart transformed by faith, which manifests in honorable behavior. Peter’s exhortation to “live properly” implies a lifestyle marked by intentional choices that align with God’s will. This is echoed in Philippians 1:10 (NLT), where Paul prays for believers to “learn to choose what is excellent, a life filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” Choosing what is excellent requires discernment, rooted in a deep relationship with God through prayer and Scripture. A Christian’s life should reflect the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT). These qualities are not merely ideals but practical expressions of excellence that influence how believers interact with others, even in challenging circumstances.
Living with excellence also means maintaining integrity in a world that often misunderstands or maligns Christians. 1 Peter 2:12 acknowledges that believers may face accusations of wrongdoing, yet their honorable behavior can serve as a powerful testimony. This principle is reinforced in Titus 2:7-8 (NLT), which instructs, “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Then those who oppose you will be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Integrity in speech, actions, and relationships ensures that a Christian’s life is above reproach, silencing critics and drawing attention to God’s transformative power. Excellence, therefore, is not just personal piety but a public witness that invites others to consider the truth of the gospel.
Moreover, excellence in Christian living extends to how believers respond to adversity. Peter wrote to a church facing persecution, yet he urged them to maintain honorable conduct. This reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:16 (NLT): “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” A life of excellence shines as a light in darkness, demonstrating resilience and hope even under pressure. For example, when faced with hostility, Christians are called to “bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you” (Luke 6:28, NLT). This countercultural response requires supernatural strength, sourced from reliance on the Holy Spirit, and showcases a standard of excellence that transcends human norms.
Excellence also involves a commitment to serving others selflessly, as Christ modeled. In John 13:15 (NLT), Jesus says, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” His act of washing the disciples’ feet was a profound demonstration of humility and service, setting a benchmark for Christian conduct. Whether in family, workplace, or community, believers are called to serve with diligence and love, reflecting God’s heart. Colossians 3:23 (NLT) further emphasizes this: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” This mindset transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship, elevating every effort to a standard of excellence for God’s glory.
Finally, excellence in Christian living is an ongoing journey, not a static achievement. Philippians 3:12 (NLT) captures Paul’s humility in this pursuit: “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Christians are called to strive for excellence, not out of legalism, but out of gratitude for Christ’s redemptive work. This pursuit involves daily surrender, seeking God’s strength to live in a way that honors Him and impacts others positively.
1 Peter 2:12 serves as a call for Christians to embrace excellence as the standard for living. Through honorable behavior, integrity, resilience, service, and a continual striving for righteousness, believers reflect Christ’s character and draw others to glorify God. Like Daniel in Babylon, who maintained integrity under pressure, Christians today are called to excel not for personal glory but as a testimony to God’s transforming power. By choosing what is excellent, as Paul encourages, and living out the fruit of the Spirit, Christians fulfill their purpose as ambassadors of Christ in a watching world. This standard of excellence is not a burden to bear but a grace-filled calling—one that reflects God’s design for a radiant, impactful life lived for His glory.
Blessings on you and yours,
Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://www.salvationarmyconcordca.org/chronicle/?category=Bible%20Study