So when listing out the components of a Christ-like life, Peter highlights three critical pieces. First, live lives that are alert, sober, and holy. It is critical that we as the church pay attention to what is going on around us. We live in a culture that is only steps away from Christian persecution. We, as a nation, have moved from a nation founded on Christian principles to a nation that has moved to eradicate God from any and all public and government displays. As is often the case, our efforts to separate God from the government have left a void that is being filled with chaos and unrest. As a church, it is our responsibility to continue to stand for God and separate ourselves from the Chaotic self-absorption that captures our culture.
Second, we need to live as a foreigner in a strange land. We cannot focus on this world as being our home. As ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19) we need to live as citizens of eternity with our heart and allegiance focused there. We cannot become too invested or in love with this aspect of life. We live in this world but do not identify with its culture or desires. Our allegiance to Heaven may cost us, but in the long run it will provide hope and a future unmatched by the finest of this world’s treasures.
Finally, we love deeply those that are a part of the body of Christ. Since we do not live as a part of this world, we will not be loved by this world. Knowing that, we must show love to one another. We must be ready at all times to stand firm and support those who are a part of God’s family. As we do, our unity will set us apart and draw others to Christ.
Be Holy, set your focus on the eternal and finally love and support others in the family. That is a worthy call. A call for the Chosen of God!
God Bless You
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
“All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c]
And this is the word that was preached to you.
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