Be Holy

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Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Devotion:

            This scripture passage begins with the word “therefore” this word ties the coming verses to all that has preceded it in this chapter of Peter’s letter. Peter has been telling us of the great salvation we, as Christians, have when Jesus returns at the last day. Peter is going to give us some commands about how we are to live our lives in the verses to come.

            First, Peter tells us how we are to mentally prepare for living. We are to have our minds sober which means more than just not drunk. It refers to a mind that is actively seeking after God’s will. Awake and ready for the return of the Lord Jesus at any moment. We are to set our hope on the grace we will receive when Jesus returns. This hope must always animate believers.

            Next, Peter calls us to be obedient to all of God’s commands. This is possible only for a spirit-filled Christian. One who has turned with all their heart and mind to follow the Lord. A person who has left behind all of the evil passions of their life before they came to Christ. This is the only way to live that meets with God’s approval.

            Then we see the real challenge in verses 15 and 16. In these verses, Peter calls us to a life of holiness. If we are honest, we will admit with Paul that we are all sinners. That is the default position for all believers. Holiness can only be obtained through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. These commands come from Leviticus in the Old Testament. (Lev. 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7 and 20:26). The people who received those commands were never able to act them out, at least not for very long if they ever did.

            In these verses Peter wants us to desire to live into the beauty of a holy God. He wants us to be consumed with a passion to live a Christ-like life. We must give up anything in our lives that keeps us from following the way of Jesus when he walked the earth. He wants us to live in constant expectation of the return of Jesus. We must acknowledge that living like this is impossible without God’s Spirit captivating our minds and animating our actions. Let us pray to God for the ability to live holy lives.

Prayer:

            Lord God creator of the universe we stand in awe of you. We humbly confess that we have lived too much to serve our own passions and whims. Come and fill us with your Holy Spirit that we might have the power to live the holy life you have called us too today. Glorify yourself in us each day. May we be truly ready to give our lives in your service. Blessed be your holy name. Amen.

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