The Call to be Holy

The verses found in I Peter 1:13-16 are actioned packed in God’s call for Holiness. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action,and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at therevelation of Jesus Christ.As obedient children, do not be conformedto 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.”

We are not born holy, rather because of the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden, we are all born with a sinful nature. As wonderful as little children are, they do not have to be taught selfishness, temper outbursts, deceptiveness or a host of other negative traits. All that has to happen for us to see these traits continuously displayed is no intervention at all.

Change must occur in our spiritual lives to be directed to the path of Holiness. In 1 Peter 1 we see the preparation of your mind—we must think differently. How does this come about? Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Choosing the truth of God’s Word over your feelings.

The second action packed words in I Peter 1 reading, is choosing to be serious about our hope in Jesus. Our total focus must be on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Our focus, does determine our finish.

The next command in this passage is “do not be conformed” to your passions before you accepted Jesus. The term “do not” is telling us—action must be taken or the old nature will rule. It is a constant, intentional transformation to be more and more like Jesus. It does not happen because we just want it, rather because we take action along with our desire. The God that commanded holiness will enable us as we choose obedience and strengthened us through endurance to free us from our past and give us a glorious future in sharing in the holiness of God.

The marvelous news is that we can become holy (although not perfect) because we are His children and as we pursue our Father, the family resemblance become noticeable. Holiness becomes you and pleases the One who made it possible as you partner with God.