Holiness

Pursuing holiness isn’t a suggestion but a command from the Lord. In the previous verses, we see that we need to rejoice in our salvation and even though we will go through trials, it is to test the genuineness of our faith. It also allows us to fix our eyes off the world and onto Christ.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

With this knowledge, we have a race to run, a journey to go on, and a warfare to battle. So the pursuit of holiness should be our desire as we follow and emulate Christ. We must pursue holiness in all aspects of our lives on a daily basis. This isn’t an easy task as sin clings to our hearts and can makes its home there if we aren’t deliberate in uprooting it.

We must not clothe ourselves with the old way of living, the old way of doing things, and the old way of thinking. We are a new creation and being conformed into the image of our Lord.

Christ shed His blood so those that repent and believe in Him would have everlasting life.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

We must watch and pray against the sin for which we are inclined. We must follow Christ and as stated earlier imitate Him in holiness and righteousness.

What about you? Are you pursuing holiness? Do you yearn to be more like Christ? Are you obeying the scriptures or ignoring what God has to say?

We need to wrap His written word around ourselves like a cloak. Just as God is clothed in splendor and majesty we need to clothe ourselves in the truth so our hunger is for Him and not our old way of life.

As we draw closer to the Saviour, our old way should become a distant memory. The help of the Holy Spirit can only do this and we thank the Lord that He is working in us. We will fail but as my pastor says, “It’s not the perfection but the direction."

When my friend found out she had cancer, and I gave her a hug. She looked at me and said, “I just want to be holier.”

Yes, I can’t believe she said that either. I’m sure there were moments where there was fear, anxiety, and doubt. But she still returned her gaze to Christ. When she was in pain, she would quote scripture. When I stayed overnight in her hospital room, she asked me to give her a verse. She looked like a Skeleton with skin but she still praised God. She stayed focused on Him. She pursued holiness.

And we should want this too. Whatever trials or joys that come our way our goal shouldn’t be for happiness (which isn’t a bad thing) but more importantly we should long for holiness.