Read 1 Peter 1:13-25
Who said we are born without an instruction manual? Once we’re born again and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Bible is the only reference we need for life. Peter’s counsel here is brilliant to point us to the truth found in scripture when figuring out what being holy is all about.
Our reading starts with a call to action by Peter. He wants us to pay attention. The words that follow are just that important. Peter opened his letter (see our last two readings) by reminding us of our salvation and God’s sovereignty. This section shows us our response, what to do with that gift. Be holy.
What does it mean to be holy? The Bible Project does a great job teaching us about the holiness of God (which pours out into us, by the way) in this short video. What a great visualization to help us understand how we can be holy as God is holy. Peter quotes Leviticus here, “For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”
Peter reminds us we’ll have to answer to God someday for our actions, that is for what we “do.” Would you agree “rewards” sound better than “judgment”? Like a perfect set of instructions, Peter tells us exactly what we should do to be holy. Holy living isn’t as hard as you would think when you’re transformed by God’s holiness!
Sure, we all mess up, fall short, and sin. But we’re likely to do a lot less stumbling when we’re in alignment with God’s desires for us, seeking him and his will for our lives. If you’re feeling weak or unsure, remember Jesus’ sacrifice for you. Peter remembered so clearly the great price Jesus paid. Do we sometimes forget and take Jesus for granted?
Thankfully, God never forgets us. God knew we would need the help of his Son to find our way back to him. “Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.” It’s not about us, it’s about trusting what Jesus already did for us!
Holy living for us means (1) obeying the truth; (2) loving one another; and (3) trusting the word of God. We need to prepare to live forever. “Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” Jesus is that living word of God! It’s hard for us to even imagine what eternal life will be like. What majesty!
In case you’re like me and feel a bit unsure of your success at being “holy,” remember who transforms us. We are sinful creatures without our Savior who redeems us. I like the example of being “plugged in” to God so his light can radiate through us. Without him, we have no power, and our light is extinguished.
The call to love others seems to be a theme for Christian behavior. Peter suggests we should “love each other deeply with all your heart.” It helps to remember that God loves us all. He has not favorites, but he loves his creation. We can please God when we love what he loves.
If you want to do a little more reflecting on the idea of holiness, the Bible Project video got me thinking about God’s glory which I wrote about in 2 Corinthians 3. Here’s quick access to that other reflection.
Let’s pray. Lord, I don’t feel like I’m following a bunch of rules to show you how I love you. I’m just thankful for Peter’s reminder that living a holy life pleases you. Help me to be more obedient and loving. Forgive me for those times when I have trust in my own power more than yours. May your power, majesty, grace, and love sustain me. In Jesus’ name.
