Wednesday 30 April 2014
- Bible Book:
- 1 Peter
“Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who has called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (vv. 14-15)
Background
Peter is exhorting his readers and hearers to reflect on theirlives in the light of the new wisdom they have gained, knowledgeabout Jesus and the power of God. His expectation was that Jesuswould be returning soon and meanwhile Jesus' followers needed tolive their lives in ways that honoured him.
Today we might say that Peter was like a life coach remindingpeople of the choices they had about how to live - the key beingthat of living in "genuine mutual love, love one another deeplyfrom the heart" (v. 22).
"Be holy, for I am holy" is a radical call to be 'set apart':set apart to do the work of God, to live lives that reveal beauty,goodness, truth, purity, compassion and love.
To Ponder
- What other attributes would you like to add to the list abovethat indicates the work of God in the world today?
- In what ways does your life style choice reflect something ofthe teachings of Jesus?
- Give thanks for people of all faiths who have revealedsomething of the love of God to you.