Bring the holy

I Peter 1:13-16: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Living clean in a dirty world is hard. It takes effort, discipline, and commitment to live the life that God wants us to. It is the desire and duty of every Christ-follower to live holy and pleasing lives for our God. The image of girding up ones loins comes from the Old Testament Passover when God told his people to gird themselves, in order to be ready for the journey ahead. Preparation was the key for that journey, and Peter is telling his audience that they need to prepare their minds for their journey ahead. This wonderful journey of faith that each Christ-follower is on is also a journey of holiness. Daily we are to strive to focus and have sober minds so that we may be holy.

Purity is neither a vague nor an ambiguous concept. It is clearly taught in the scriptures, especially the teachings of Jesus. On many occasions, Jesus had contact with people who were living a life that did not honor God. In each situation Jesus told them to go and sin no more. He comforted them and encouraged them, and ultimately told them to pursue a life of holiness. Peter, in this statement to his audience said they were to abandon their former ways, being driven by their lust. Rather they were to conduct themselves with purity and uprightness. 1 Cor. 6:20 says, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” That price that we were bought for was the payment that was owed because of our sin, which was paid by the crucifixion of Jesus. We owe God our holiness. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Being a living sacrifice before this world is the least I can do for my eternal salvation.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Ezek. 34-35 New Testament I Peter 2