Peter tells his readers that if we want to make our lives count for eternity, we must first deal with the things that get in the way. We must stop the sins that destroy relationships: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander. We should instead commit to read and understand God’s word to grow in spiritual maturity.

Another factor in making our life on earth count for eternity is to be fully aware of our responsibility as believer-priests, to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God which He accepts because they are performed by Jesus Christ working through us. Peter illustrates our reliance on Jesus by portraying Him as a precious and choice cornerstone, as predicted in Isaiah 28:16. Believers are like living stones building a spiritual house—the church of Jesus. Jesus is the most valuable stone upon which we build our lives. We point others to Him through acts of service and love. Likewise, unbelievers and those who are disobedient stumble over Jesus the Cornerstone and reject Him (Psalm 118:2, Isaiah 8:14).

Peter describes the incredible position believers have in Christ as members of a royal family and as priests in God’s spiritual kingdom. Understanding the mercy which He granted us should lead us to leave the darkness and walk in His light, so that we can declare God’s goodness to the rest of the world. Since our future is with Jesus in His kingdom, Peter challenges believers to have an eternal perspective which will motivate us to live holy lives and avoid sin. Even people hostile to Jesus and His followers will be silenced if Christians have integrity, such that those who slandered us might themselves change their minds, believe in the Messiah, and praise God when Jesus returns.

Another way believers can make our lives count for eternity is by submitting to the authority figures in our lives.

First, Christian citizens are to be submissive to governing authorities for the purpose of silencing the ignorance of foolish people. Since our true home is with Jesus in His future kingdom, we should live in peace with the authorities on earth. If we live with good character as good citizens, it will be difficult and inaccurate for anyone to speak badly of believers in Jesus.

Second, employees are to be submissive to their employers, even if their employers are unkind, even if it means having to endure unjust sufferings for doing the right thing. It may be painful, yet worthwhile because of rewards given by God in eternity.

Peter instructs us to use our freedom to be effective servants of God. Rather than abuse God’s grace and live sinfully, we ought to dedicate our choices to God’s will. We can do this by treating all people, unbelievers and especially believers, with honor and love. We should live in submission to the highest human authority in our earthly life, but our ultimate king whom we should seek to please is God.

In God’s perfect plan, He invites believers to suffer for the sake of Christ, even if it means suffering unjustly. Jesus suffered for us, providing a model for us to follow. He always did and said the right thing. Even while the Savior suffered, He did not try to get even or take revenge but trusted God, because God will one day right all wrongs with perfect judgment. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross paid the penalty for all our sins, freeing us from the power of our sinful natures. Because His death has healed us spiritually, we can now live to please God with our actions. It is as though we are sheep, and Jesus is our shepherd and protector who leads us to live rightly before God to our health and benefit.