“Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.  Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance.  Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

     God is giving us a higher calling, one in which we strive to be more like Jesus.  This is because when we accept Christ, our hearts and minds are renewed.  We know of a better way when we walk in obedience to God instead of conforming to the world.

     This is not a call to self-righteousness, thinking and acting like we are better than others.  We walk in obedience to God regardless of whether we are seen or unseen.  Jesus said this of the Pharisees, “they do not practice what they teach.” (Matthew 23:3) “They do all their deeds to be seen by others, for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long.  They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues.” (Matthew 23:5-6)

     We are not worthy, but thankfully, what we do have is the grace of God, which has pardoned us and has opened our eyes to all that is good and worth living for.  As we observe our Lord’s teachings, we begin to realize the value of applying these teachings to our lives.  As we grow in faith, we develop the ability to stand firm in our beliefs, and we wouldn’t want it any other way!    

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have freely extended your grace to me.  I pray that I will live out my faith in ways that bring you honor and glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.