“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 1:15-16)
I think lots of people read this verse and just check out. “I can’t be holy. God is holy. He is perfect. He has never done or said a single sinful thing in all of eternity. He doesn’t even have sinful thoughts. That’s not me. I can’t do that.”
Here’s what we miss: That is us. That’s the point. God is not saying to us, “Be holy, and then you can be my child.” He’s saying, “You are my child. Now be holy like me.”
Still think it’s impossible? Listen to these words from Paul in Colossians 1: “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”
In his eyes, you are holy. Now, Peter says, start using his power to live up to who you already are. You won’t live perfectly free from sin before you see him in person, but you can make choices that reflect his holiness in your life today. You are holy. Be holy.
Think: Does understanding that God sees you as holy right now motivate you to try harder to live up to your new identity? Where does the power come from to live that way?
Pray: Ask God to help you to understand what it means to be holy in your everyday life. Ask him to help you to be holy in all you do.
Do: Ask your pastor or youth pastor or a Christian teacher what it means for a Christian to live a holy life. How do they practice that from day to day?