The work of the church in our world is spiritual formation and evangelistic outreach. We are called to make disciples who will make more disciples. In a culture that was quick to blame Christians for disaster and social ills, Peter responds with a call to stand firm in Christ. Peter’s audience was under attack by the government as a scape goat for some of the worst problems of their day. They were a minority and the leaders needed someone to blame. That church, like ours, was a group of sinful people who had turned to Jesus for salvation and were seeking to obey Jesus together. Like our church, life became messy as authenticity increased. In Christ, they are God’s treasured possession. In Christ, they are called to proclaim the beautiful work of Jesus. Peter reminds the church that they are the light of the world.