Many of us admire the good things in our earthly dads and we strive to imitate those good things as we grow into adulthood. When we accept Jesus, its often because we saw characteristics in Him that we admired and we want to mirror His character. But in being His child, He wants us to be ‘Holy’, just like He is. Whether you feel like you have attained this perfection, or not, this Scripture today will speak volumes to most of us. Please allow me to share my thoughts on the matter.

SCRIPTURE FROM: 1 Peter 1:14-16
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 14 Obey God because you are his children; don’t slip back into your old ways—doing evil because you knew no better. 15 But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be his child. 16 He himself has said, “You must be holy, for I am holy.”

APPLICATION: No doubt some of you might be an adoptive parent, just like me. When we saw our perfect gift from God, we undoubtedly felt like we had something to share with that child that far exceeded what they may have encountered so far in this life. Things such as love, respect, caring, giving, were probably at the top of our list, plus we wanted them to see life in a manner that they perhaps never saw before. This wish list would have impacted us as parents also, for we would have committed ourselves to be consistent in these things each and every day. Because we wanted that child to experience our way of life, is evidence that we felt like there was something worthwhile in our family that would benefit that child. We felt like we had something to offer that would improve that child’s character and perspective on life. Now, if you will, turn your perspective to the Christian life. Without Christ, we were much like that adoptive child. Life was hopeless because we felt all alone; out of control, because we were allowed to do whatever we wanted; unhappy, because of the void in our life; and meaningless, because we often failed at most things that we attempted to do. But Jesus knocked on our heart’s door (He got our attention) and showed us that there is One who is perfect in every way and who brings hope to a lost and dying world. You see, this whole Truth became evident to the Israelites back in Leviticus 11:44, for the God who brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, told them that they were to follow His example as He led them to freedom and into a promised land filled with hope and prosperity. In our Scripture from 1 Peter, God continues this same call through the ministry of His servant, Peter. In today’s world, mankind is still grasping for someone who will help them overcome the weaknesses of mortal man. We can read where some have said that they sinned, because the devil made them do it. Wife murderers will say that their spouse provoked them to commit murder. Children will say that because of their upbringing, they learned to hate others and chase after riches. Although you too might have endless excuses why sin abounds in your life, Jesus cries out to us with the comforting words, ‘but I have this all worked out for you, just give me a chance’. And as we do, we submit ourselves to being taught and molded by the only perfect One, the only holy One, the only One who loves us enough to willingly sacrifice His life for us. ‘Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest’. As we succumb to this awesome God who is perfect, and who has overcome the world and its failures, we find that He is holy, and that He desires for us to reach for that same ideal – a life of holiness. There is light and hope at the end of the tunnel dear friend, won’t you accept His invitation today? You will find a link in my Footnote ‘To Know Jesus’. Click on it for a variety of Scripture verses that will introduce you to my Savior and it will help you as you surrender your life to Him. Do it today precious one.

PRAYER: We are to be holy, as You are holy! From our stand, this seems like an impossible task, especially while living in a world filled with sin, temptation, hatred and greed. But God, we know that You would not have demanded this of us, knowing that we could never achieve it. Praise God, You have taught us that ALL things are possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. So Lord, I am humbly asking today that You might empower me to always seek that holiness of which You have taught us about. I pray also that You would miraculously touch every individual who reads this devotional today, for we are all in the same boat, we need a holy God to empower us with holiness; a loving God to empower us with love towards our fellow man; and a righteous God to call us out of a wicked world into the righteousness of Heaven. Oh that Your awesome holiness and power would envelope us today so that we may represent You well and demonstrate to the world that You are well and alive, because You live in us. AMEN!