Ezekiel 41 & 42, 1 Peter 1, Proverbs 18:7-16
1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV)
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions
of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in
all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
In 1 Peter 1:14–16, Peter, the apostle of Jesus Christ,
writes to believers in modern-day Turkey about how to live faithfully in a
pagan culture. He reminds them that they are children of the Lord and are in a
covenant relationship with Him. As children of Father-God, they are called to
obey Him because the grace of Jesus Christ has saved them. Peter urges
believers to reject their former passions—the desires that shaped their lives
before they met Christ. Father-God commands believers to reflect His holiness
in how they live. When Christ saved them, He transformed both their character
and their conduct. To be “holy” means the Lord has set believers apart for His
purposes. Holiness is choosing to align one’s behavior with the character of
Christ so that His love is reflected to the world.
I sometimes struggle with the idea of living in holiness,
but over the years I’ve realized that holiness often looks like treating others
the way I want to be treated. I don’t steal because I wouldn’t want someone to
steal from me. I abstain from alcohol so I don’t lose control of myself—a lack
of control that once led me to poor decisions. I know what I said and did when
I drank in excess, and I don’t want to return to the consequences of that
former life, where my sharp tongue hurt both myself and others. Living in
holiness requires me to live differently than society, but I know I am happier
when my life aligns with the Lord’s will than when I resist it. Father-God has
a plan for my life that fits exactly how He created me. I no longer feel like a
“square trying to fit into a round hole.” Instead, following the Lord’s plan
makes me feel like a puzzle piece placed perfectly in His design for the world.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel prompted to
place your faith in Jesus Christ, who created you perfectly for the role He
designed you to fulfill—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him,
speak to Him through the following prayer, and express your trust in Him. Share
your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is
faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for
all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart
that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is
my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of
salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made
new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of
Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit-filled, full-Gospel,
Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s
love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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