A Holy Pathway

1 Peter 1:13-15 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
 
HAVE you ever tried to help someone see their sins and point them to Jesus? Did the person respond by accusing, “Who made you holy?” as if you had no right to talk of their sins? Did you answer, “God did. He made me holy through Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension.”
   It seems very rare that we Christians describe our lives as holy. Knowing our sins and imperfections, we are very uncomfortable and even resistant to define ourselves with a word that defines God’s perfection. Yet, Peter admonishes us to be holy in all you do because God has commanded “Be holy, because I am holy.” three times in Leviticus at the very beginning of the exodus. He wanted his nation separated from the world in location and law. It’s the same today. We are Kingdom citizens saved out of the world to obey God’s law. How do we obey the apostle’s teaching and God’s commands?
   Peter teaches the holy life is first a response to the salvation faith we have received. His therefore to open the passage is to say, “Now you have salvation. This is what you must do.” Your habits should include preparing your mind and body to obey God’s commands. Holiness is being self-controlled, dismissing the habits and influences that keep you away from God. One firm way to reject sin is to keep you mind on God’s gifts to you, particularly eternal life. How can you turn from the One who has freely and entirely given himself to you? Being holy is deliberately separating yourself from influences that stain your thoughts toward God.
   To be holy is to be set apart from the world and set into God’s righteousness. You will make mistakes and commit sins as you pursue holy living. But God’s point to his people in the Wilderness Journey, in the Promised Land and in the church is to live a life that reflects his glory and his love to the world. If you are not pursuing holiness, you are missing a crucial part of your Christian journey.
   God has given you a holy path to walk. Evil forces strive to distract you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9)  
   Who has made you holy? God has. Live in that power. Show a desperate world how good it is to walk with the Holy God.  
 
1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.