“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Peter wrote his letter to Gentile believers in several Christian communities scattered throughout Asia Minor. These believers were being verbally attacked for their new found faith and as a result were questioning the grace by which they stood. Peter instructed them to leave behind their former practices fraught with evil desires and live moral & ethical lives. He quotes from Leviticus in the Old Testament (1) as a means of showing that God declares Himself holy and asks nothing less of His people.
It should be noted that by virtue of our redemption God sees us as holy and righteous, although we are not literally so. We achieve our holiness or moral compass over time, for it is progressive in nature. As we desire to be more and more like Christ in our daily life we will begin to become more morally conscience. It is nothing that can be rushed. We must submit to the teachings of God and allow His Holy Spirit to do His work in us.
In a world where it is said that 'surrender is not an option', we are asked to surrender our will to an unseen spirit. Faith and trust enables us to do just that.
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
(1) Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2
