“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
Everyone likes children to be obedient. No one really likes a disobedient child. Many parents tell their children to do as they are told to do, while at the same implying not to do as the parent is doing. In this passage, Peter is telling you to be like an obedient child–do what God is telling you to do. God tells you to do as He would do, not just as He says to do.
Peter tells you to not to conform to the evil desires you once did prior to coming to God through Jesus Christ. These desires are your old sinful habits. Do not give in to those desires. Flee from those desires.
God is a holy God, who has never done anything wrong in any way. He is perfect. Here Peter quotes from Leviticus 11 in that you are to be holy as He (God) is holy. This is a very tall order from God. The standard is set very high…actually to the level of perfection. God does not want anything less of you, because that is what is best for you.
Many people try to state that their way of living is just the person they are and what they are like and cannot change. That is true in and of yourself. Alone you cannot change and will never be perfect. But with the Holy Spirit of God’s power in your life you are to be a changed person. Be willing to change into the new creation God has created you to be. This change is a lifelong committment. From this day till the day you step into heaven there will always be something to change to be more perfect like God. Work at it in His power.
Each day you get up ask God what you need to change to be more like Him that day. Turn to the Bible to give you wisdom in how to think and act like God. Seek His guidance in every situation, both good and bad, in your life. Strive to be perfect–not to be saved or to earn your salvation–but to be more like Jesus in all that you say and do. Be an obedient child today with God.
I pray that today God will reveal to you things that need to change in your life; that God will give you His Spirit to help and guide you; that you will run to God for guidance in everything you do; and that God will help you to be the new creation He has created you to be.
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