1 Peter 1:13-16
13 So think clearly and exercise self- control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
14 So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then.
15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
16 For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy."
Paul's words mean that all parts of our lives and character should be in the process of becoming conformed, both inwardly and out, to God's standards. After committing to Jesus, sometimes people feel a tugging back to their old ways of living. Peter tells us to be like our Heavenly Father, holy in everything.
Holiness requires being completely devoted to God and committed to living according to His standards. It means being set aside for His special use and purpose, set apart from sin and its influence. We are to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different for the sake of being different. What makes us different is the qualities of God being lived out in and through our lives.
Our focus and priorities must be His. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways, and the ways the world around us is living now. We don't become holy on our own or by trying real hard. God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us obey and to empower us to be overcomers. Don't use the excuse, "I am only human, I can't help slipping. You can trust His power to free you from sin's grip and to help live the holy life He has called you to.
Love ya,
Joe Gray
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