Worldviews collide when those desiring to do the will of God encounter those who are doing the will of the Gentiles. There are some things to remember when you become a believer. Let me point out three of them from our passage.

First, you are being duly charged. 1 Peter 4:1-2 reads, "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." To be forewarned is to be forearmed. We are charged to be armed with the mind of Christ.

Second, you have been dramatically changed. 1 Peter 4:3-4a reads, "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." 2 Corinthians 5:17 reads, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." In the words of Rufus Henry McDaniel,

"What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought,
Since Jesus came into my heart!"

Third, you will be directly challenged. 1 Peter 4:4b reads, "speaking evil of you." In other words, they will slander you. Warren W. Wiersbe comments, "Unsaved people do not understand the radical change that their friends experience when they trust Christ, and become children of God. They do not think it strange when people wreck their bodies, destroy their homes and ruin their lives by running from one sin to another! But let a drunkard become sober, or an immoral person (become) pure, and the family thinks he has lost his mind!" Peter continues to explain, "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 4:5-6). This should encourage you to realize the Lord Jesus takes notice of everything that happens and there will be an accounting to Him. Jesus said, "For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22). Jesus also said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).

When you become a Christian, you are a changed person, and it is good and helpful to have a proper perspective when you don't fit in.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.