Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
13 “So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ. 14 Obey GOD because you are HIS children. Do not slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you did not know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as GOD – who chose you to be HIS children – is holy. 16 For HE HIMSELF has said, ‘You must be holy because I am holy’.” ~ 1 Peter 1:13-15
The GOD of Israel and of the Christian church is holy – HE sets the standard for morality. Unlike the Roman gods, HE is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults popular in the first century, HE is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. HE is a GOD of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of HIS followers. Our holy GOD expects us to imitate HIM by following HIS high moral standards and by being both merciful and just.
After people commit their lives to Christ they sometimes still feel a pull back to their old ways. Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father – holy in everything we do. Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to GOD, set aside for HIS special use and 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 just for the sake of being different. GOD’s qualities in our life make us different. Our focus and priorities must be HIS. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways. We cannot become holy on our own, but GOD gives us HIS Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. We should never use the excuse that we can not help slipping into sin, for many of us it is a case of walking right into what we know is wrong – with forethought. We must rely on GOD’s power to free us from sin’s grip.
The imminent return of Christ should motivate us to live for Him. This means being mentally alert (“think clearly”), disciplined (“exercise self-control”), and focused (“look forward”). Are you ready to meet Christ?
Father GOD, we ask that YOU fill every aspect of our lives with YOUR Holy Spirit. We ask for a Spiritual awakening and renewal of all our thoughts and attitude. Give us a complete understanding of what YOU want to do in our lives and make us wise with spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we may grow in our knowledge of YOU, LORD. – We want to be holy, set apart for YOU, LORD and ready to do YOUR will.
Photo: Pensacola (Florida)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
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