The Old Life (1 Peter 4:1-6)

I’ve worn glasses since third grade. But about 17 years ago, I had LASIK surgery. The funny part? For months afterward, I still acted like I was wearing glasses. I’d reach to push them up on my nose—except they weren’t there anymore.

Why? Muscle memory.

I had lived one way for 30+ years, and even though my vision had changed, my habits hadn’t caught up yet.

Peter was writing to Christians facing a similar challenge. They had left their old life behind. But the world around them hadn’t forgotten who they used to be.

So Peter gives them a clear message:

You’ve spent enough time in the past.
The time to live for God is now.

Arm Yourself with the Right Mindset
Peter starts here:

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude…” (1 Peter 4:1)

Jesus didn’t suffer by accident—He suffered with purpose. And Peter tells us to adopt that same mindset. Not a victim mentality. Not a comfort-first attitude. A Christ-centered mindset.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of attitude do I bring into my Monday morning?
• Am I approaching my life like Jesus approached His mission?

People in the military or law enforcement will tell you: Before you step into the field, you prepare your mind. Peter says the same thing applies to following Jesus.

Break from the Old Pattern

Next, Peter draws a clear line:

“They do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:2)

Think about those classic “before and after” ads—like the old comic book ones where the 90-pound weakling gets sand kicked in his face… then a week later he looks like me (flex).

There’s a before-and-after story in every believer’s life.

But here’s the challenge: too many of us try to live in between—one foot in the old life, one foot in the new.

Peter is clear:

• It’s time to stop straddling the fence.
  God’s will is always better—even if it’s harder.

You’ve Spent Enough Time There

Peter says:

“You have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do…” (1 Peter 4:3)

He’s not shaming them—he’s reminding them:

• You know what that old life brings.You’ve seen how that movie ends.
• So why keep going back? Why glamorize or revisit the things God rescued you from?

God’s plan isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom. And that freedom means moving forward.

Expect Some Pushback

“They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.” (1 Peter 4:4)

When your life changes, it challenges people. Sometimes they’re curious. Sometimes they criticize.

But here’s the truth: Following Jesus may cost you some comfort—but it’s always worth it.

Whenever you start something new that’s good for you, people will notice.

Some will support it.
Some will question it.
Some will mock it.

But that change? It’s still worth it.

Final Thought

If you’ve been rescued by Jesus, you don’t have to live like you’re still stuck in your old life.

You’re not who you used to be.
You’ve been given new vision—new purpose—new life.

So stop adjusting glasses you no longer need. And start living like someone who’s been set free.