Mad World: Week 2 - Monday

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 1 Peter 1:15

The word “holy” is familiar to us. We have heard it said. We have likely used it at some point in our lives. While “holy” is a familiar word for us, most of us would have a difficult time defining what it means. When we have an understanding of what holy means, we can better understand Scripture’s call to Christ followers to live holy lives. Simply put, the word “holy” means set apart. Scripture reveals that God's people are called to be holy and set apart from the rest of the world.

Peter calls Christ followers to live holy lives in the book of 1 Peter, which he wrote. In this book of the Bible, He called believers to live differently than the rest of the world. He wrote in this passage of Scripture, “You must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then” (verse 14). Because we are followers of Christ, we are called to live for Him, not ourselves and our own selfish desires. Peter continued his teaching, saying, "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy" (verse 15). Instead of living like the rest of the world, we are called to "be holy in everything [we] do." We are to be set apart from the rest of the world because of our words and actions. After all, the God we follow and serve is holy (verse 16).

What does it look like today to live a holy life? Living a holy life means that we live for God and not this world. It means that we speak differently, act differently, and make different decisions than the rest of the world. The rest of the world lives for themselves. The rest of the world does not think about others. The rest of the world tolerates sin. That is not to be so with followers of Christ. Followers of Christ are called to live for God and His kingdom, let go of sin, and think about others above ourselves. When we live this way, we are certainly set apart from the rest of the world, and we honor God through our words and actions. This way of living brings glory to our Heavenly Father, whom we love so much.

Moving Toward Action

Take a few moments to evaluate your life. Compare it to how the rest of the world lives. Are you living a life that is different, set apart from the rest of the world because of your relationship with Christ? Is there anything that needs to change so that you can live a life that is wholly set apart for Him? Acknowledge these things to God, then ask Him to help you as you seek to live a holy life set apart from Him. 

Going Deeper

1 Peter 1:13-16