1 Peter 3:15
“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”
Jesus is to be our lord and saviour. When we first pray that prayer, asking for salvation, we don’t fully understand the meaning. It’s almost like joining a club and vowing to uphold the rules. What actually happens is that we are reunited with The Lord. He is now living with and in us. While in us, He prompts us in ways we are to go.
We go through our day and are faced with a hundred choices. Some aren’t moral choices. They may have to do with what to wear or what to eat. God could guide with those if eating and our presentation are problems. However, most choices are ones we make on our own.
Some choices are on biblical issues. To obey is to honor Jesus as lord. To ignore, is to disobey. If we don’t obey might mean we haven’t established that He is lord. Which also might mean that He isn’t our Savior. Some issues of obedience aren’t moral, but particular actions we are to take. He may prompt us to speak to someone. We don’t know why, but to obey.
Peter is saying that we are to decide ahead of time that He is lord. This makes it easier in the moment. If we are unsure about particular issues, when they come up, we probably won’t obey.
What does it mean to sanctify Him as lord? Some commentators referred to the scene in Isaiah 6. It’s the throne room in Heaven. The angels are flying about declaring His holiness. Our heart is be this in miniature. We are to decide that He is welcome. As was mentioned, we really don’t understand the extent of lordship when we accept Christ. We decide daily.
Lord, help us to make You welcome in our hearts. Thank You for Your patience.