1 Peter 1:13-21 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 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.” Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 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 forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

As I continue to study through 1 Peter, I find the admonishment to be clear headed and obedient. It reminds me of all the times I have done the opposite. I have let evil and frivolous things consume my time and thinking instead of focusing on living a holy life. How often do we let evil desires control us instead of the love of God?

Another part of this passage that accuses me is the call to be holy in all that I do. Again, I have fallen so far short of that. But more than just a confrontation or condemnation, I also hear this as an encouragement.

I cannot read this passage without thinking of Luther’s explanation of Second Article of the Apostle’s Creed.

What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. That title John the Baptizer used to identify Him connected Him to the Passover and that great deliverance of God’s people. The deliverance He would accomplish through His sacrifice was the payment necessary and acceptable for the sins of the whole world.

Knowing what Jesus has done for me, having faith that receives what He earned for me, I strive to live the holy life to which I have been called. It is my effort to offer thanks to God for all He has done for me.