BE HOLY. 1st Peter 1:15-16 Our response to such a glorious salvation calls for mental action in which, with serious and thoughtful minds, we prepare ourselves by rejecting a shallow, flippant attitude toward eternal things. By looking ahead to the final aspects of saving grace at the coming of our Lord, we obey our Father and conduct our lives in accordance with the divine nature He has given us. This involves a consistent desire for holiness that can make it real.
We have been adopted into His family, and our lives and works reflect the One who has called us. He is holy and set apart from sin and impurity. It is only right that we also be set apart from a worldly lifestyle, both in our speech and in all aspects of our conduct. The moral perfections of our Lord move us to live in moral purity. One who is truly sober is disciplined and can be trusted with important matters. To set our "hope" on something means we are focused on suitable things, not scattered in a careless way. Our God is holy, and He is the standard of holiness for all of His children. He is a God of mercy and justice, committed to His children and caring for them. When His children are like Him in holiness, they should be merciful and just. They should be willing to make necessary sacrifices for the eternal welfare of others.
BEHAVIOR. New watching eyes follow facial features and expressions, forming impressions. Little hands and feet learn what to do and where to go by imitating those who love and care for them. Lifestyle is formed by following the model, almost a facsimile of the real thing. What we learn in early life follows us, affecting us eternally. Learning days are passing, and other watching eyes are on me – evaluating, forming opinions, and making decisions based on the example they see. Behavior in young days can ruin a whole life when they act without hesitation or think a matter through, including the lasting consequences. And opportunities that come only once are lost because of procrastination. A life with great potential is in danger of being humiliated.
God calls us to live holy lives, desiring that we live for Him alone. He called us to be separate from sin and to live uniquely. From our hearts, we are to consider what pleases our Lord completely. It is not just a suggestion to live a holy life daily. It is a command that appropriate behavior be lived visibly. God has called us to be adopted as children in His family, and what we learn and are now will characterize us eternally.
1st Peter 1:16. “Because it is written, ‘Be ye holy: for I am holy.’” BE HOLY. There is a world of difference between God and mortal men. Yet He commands that we be holy like Him. How can such a thing ever happen to us, who are born in sin? Devotedness and dedication are possible by the Spirit within. To be holy is to be set apart as a vessel for God’s use. To be holy means allowing the Spirit to guide in everything I choose. To be holy means turning from sin and its terrible influence. To be holy is to walk with God, so I will not lose His favor. To be holy means I’m different, yet not different for “different’s” sake. But it will show in the reality of the different road I take, and there will also be a difference in the decisions I make. The “peculiar people” designation will produce holiness I can’t fake.
Holiness is the new standard we live by. This stands in contrast to being conformed to the evil desires of our former sinful nature. The command to be holy is not a suggestion. First, it is grounded in the calling of God, who chose us and called us before the world's foundation. We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light; to eternal glory; unto holiness.
Second, this command is not based on a human standard of acceptable holiness but on the character of God – “I am holy!” He is entirely apart from sin. Christians are called to be holy in all we do: in every act, word, and situation, we are to make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts. Our Lord Jesus Christ lived here as a perfect man, holy in every way, and He is our example to walk in His steps, making no room for failure or excuses for our weakness.
Thirdly, this command is based on the Word of God; the Bible tells us to be holy. Holy living has always been a clear command from God to His people in the Old and New Testaments. The ethical standards of holiness do not change with the times, cultures, or the decisions of governments.
Holiness begins with a new mindset and requires the deliberate rejection of evil desires. More than that, it requires an actual response to God’s command to be holy. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ motivates us to live God-fearing, holy lives. God cannot tolerate sin, and He demanded the sacrifice of His Son to put away our sins and bring us into His family.
What I see in God, He wants to see in me. The things that are important to Him are now my priority. The focus of my life and efforts should help others see what is right and what pleases God. Even though I am not perfectly holy now, I will be in the future. They should see a contrast between me and the world’s ways. There should be evidence that I intend to act on what God says. My concern is to let holiness be seen throughout the coming days, and that God’s holiness be seen in me as a result of God’s free grace.