1 Peter 1:15,16
‘”but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”’
“Like father, like son” ( or daughter). This old addage states the common fact that the behavior of the parents is passed on to the child. This is done in two ways. Sometimes the child loves the parents and seeks to emulate. The other means is done even if the child dislikes the parent. Being in that environment, the child is formed by the parent.
We’ve all seen the child who adores the parent and attempts to dress similarly. The child may pretend to drive to work, carry a brief case or act like mom. We are to do the same with God. We may not love Him at the start. Not that He isn’t worthy, more so because we don’t know Him. As we grow in Christ we learn that He is good. He is a safe harbor. As we encounter difficult and fearful situations, we learn that we can go to Him for refuge and a source of strength. Through this process, we learn to love Him.
As we grow in God’s love, we want to be like Him. While we can’t dress like Him, we want to emulate Him. As He is patient with us, we learn to be patient with others. As He rescues us from desperation, we want to help others. God shows us kindness. There are cool things that occur in my day. I know that is an “I love you” from God. We learn to do that to others. A random act of kindness. Forgiveness was a huge deal. We have a history of wrongdoing. It takes a long time for us to let our wrongs go. The shame haunts us for a life time. God’s forgiveness has wiped the slate clean and He gives us a new start(s). Others may have hurt or wronged us. How can we hold it against them.
Today’s passage says we are to “be holy, for I am holy.” My first response is cleanness or without sin. I normally associate it with abstaining from wrongs. Our culture has misrepresented this. It portrays the holy ones to be those that deny anything fun. They are resistant, unhealthy people. That isn’t true holiness. There is an avoidance of sin. But it’s staying away from damaging things. Our society is full of addicted and damaged people. Hollywood tells them to go for it. If you are drawn to something, it would be unnatural to resist. This message has veared our culture away from traditional values, christian values. This is bringing great grief and brokeness. When we are holy, we are staying in the confines of what God requires. This is actually the best for us.
Being holy isn’t being smug or self righteous. Part of the definition of holy is to be sanctified. This
means to be set apart. Like a particular tool has a purpose, so we are set apart for His purposes. We aren’t to indulge in anything we want. That which we are to avoid would bring us harm.
Lord, help us to grow in holiness. Thank You for Your influence and Your grace. Help us to be like You.