READ: Thess. 4:1-8
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but … holy in all your conduct … . – 1 Pet. 1:14-16
For Peter, believers are children of obedience. They distinguish themselves from the children of disobedience, who are the people who do not love and follow God. God’s children should not participate in the sinful desires of the world.
Previously, the readers were also children of disobedience. They used to do what they pleased, just like the world does. But Peter now points to the covenant: as a covenant child, you are set apart by the Lord from the world that lives in disobedience. Those who have been adopted as God’s children by grace may no longer be like the people of the world. Let us also test ourselves on this: are we distancing ourselves from the desires of the world?
The difference between being focused on God or worldly desires becomes apparent, for example, when you go on the internet. Are you searching for things that align with God, or things that God detests? Peter says that it is about whether you conform to God. Verse 15 says: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.”
God is holy and wants to see that in us as His children. To be holy means to turn away from sin and turn towards God. Therefore, we should not conform to the world or its wrong desires, but instead conform to God, become like Him, and reflect His image in all aspects of our lives. Peter emphasizes this by the absolute authority of God’s Word: “For it is written! God Himself says: ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” (Lev. 11:44-45).
How do you assess that your actions align with God’s calling to be holy?
Singing: Ps. 15:1