By Lisa Wilmore
Scripture: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ: As obedient children, not fashioning lust in your ignorance: But as he which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (I Peter 1:3-16).
My brothers and sisters, I greet you in the only name that matters-that name is Jesus Christ. It is a joy in knowing that God grants us mercy each day of our lives. “It is the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail us not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
God has called us out to be obedient children to His will and His way. We are held accountable to God in how we live in His presence as well as our fellow Christian friends and others. In fact, our actions must reveal that He is the author of our lives. As we share with others significant messages, simultaneously, we must, allow these messages to take root in our hearts as well. We, as children of God, are called to be holy and live according to God’s standard. Most assuredly, we are responsible for how we look to the outside world. God has commissioned us to “Be holy because He is holy.”
In the aforementioned text, Peter writes to the Jewish Christians, who is being persecuted because of their faith. He shares with them the hope of eternal life as well as challenges them to continue to live holy lives. As new converts and veteran Christians, we must adhere to Peter’s instruction, which is God’s Word to holy living. There may be times when individuals desire to return to their old lifestyles; however, Peter encourages us to be like our Heavenly Father-that is, holy in all of our ways. Of course, we cannot become holy on our own. Actually, the only way we can live holy lives is for God and His Holy Spirit to be present in our hearts.
When Christians’ lifestyles are holy through their mannerism or conduct, others may be motivated to seek out the source of our strength. On the other hand, Christians’ bad mannerism could be a hindrance to those who are lost in sin.
Indeed, “God has called us to be holy and live according to His standard.” Therefore, the qualities we possess should match the qualities that please God.
