But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. – 1 Peter 1:15
“The new normal” is a phrase tossed about by politicians and news media to describe how life is in these post-pandemic times. There is much that comes with this new normal, including challenges to many things held dear by Americans and Christians. There is pressure to make compromises…. to your political underpinnings, to your moral virtues, to your faith walk with God.
When Peter wrote his first epistle, the believers he addressed were experiencing intense pressure to conform away from their faith. They were facing persecutions and difficulties and the “new normal” of life in Christ seemed like an easy compromise. And many did. But Peter told them, as today’s verse reiterates to you today, to live a holy life. The apostle Paul said it another way in Philippians 2:15, “that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” You have been provided spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), peace as Christ gives it (John 14:27), and deliverance from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
In a world that is growing more secular and it may become increasingly difficult to live for the Lord. However, the same Holy God who calls you to be more like Him has provided the means for you to do it. When Jesus was tempted He used God’s Word. You can memorize Scriptures that will strengthen and encourage you, and ask the Lord for sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life. Pray for believers in government to be the shining lights in the world followers of Christ have been called to be.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 1:15
but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 1:13-23
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
