I Peter 2:11-25  Peter addresses this to his "dear friends"  the "beloved" who are "aliens and strangers".. pilgrims in this life on earth. This includes us..   He calls us to "abstain from fleshly lusts".. (v 11)  to "keep your behavior excellent"..(v12) to "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution".(v13)... to "honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king."  (v17)

This is the kind of behavior, Peter tells us, that is like Christ's.. who "while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously." ( v23) 

These are not things we do naturally.  But, by the power of His Spirit we can do "good deeds" and "glorify God in the day of visitation". 

When we honor the office of authority.. in our case the presidency, congress, and judges.. we are doing what pleases God. 

When we submit ourselves to those whom we serve.. we are honoring God. 

When we do what is right, in spite of suffering or persecution, or whatever.. then we are pleasing God. "But if when you do what is right and suffer for it, you patiently endure it, this find favor with God." (v20) 

Peter writes "you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for your to follow in His steps." (v21)  

Jesus died, He  " bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; and by His wounds we are healed." (v24) 

Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, we look to You in this pilgrim journey of life.  We want to do Your will and please You... in doing good works with the attitude and steadfastness of Christ Jesus, who died in our place that we might live to glorify You.  Fill us Spirit of God that we might stand firm.. that we might live in righteousness and truth, with faith that grows deeper through Your Word.  May our lives be marked by Your Grace and Peace.  May we tell of the excellencies of our God who has brought us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. In Jesus' name we come. Amen.