Daily Encouragement

“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.”  (1 Peter 1:15-16, NIV)

Resist the temptation to allow others to redefine the hallmarks of Christian discipleship. The original definitions of who we are, and what we are to do, are found in God’s word and nowhere else.

Peter reminds the Christians that are scattered throughout what, today, is Asia minor that while they may reside in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, and other locales with cultures and customs that may be peculiar or even hostile; above all, they are to reflect “in all you do” the holiness of the God who called them.

Generally, the word “holiness” has been redefined to mean something that is less than desirable because it distinguishes one from the masses. However, the disciple should never let his or her choices be determined by the crowd  or the circumstance — only by the Christ within us.  This does not come to us naturally.  It comes with practice, patience, and the grace that God provides.

It is through this simple act of obedience by God’s scattered people that those who know not God catch their first glimpse of what it means to “of God.”  We need not be anything more.  We dare not be anything less.  The next step is the Holy Spirit’s to make.

All humanity echoes the words of St. Augustine of Hippo who wrote: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”  – Luther