As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 peter 1:14-16

we had been children of disobedience before knowing God (Eph 2:1-3), lived according to the standard of the world conforming ourself to the world living an unholy life. We lived in this manner because we were ignorant about God. In Ephesians 4:8 Paul says people are alienated from the life of God and darkened by their understanding because of their ignorance. People crucified Christ Jesus because of their ignorance but Now we know the Holy God and very hope that he has called us for. Now peter reminds us that as an obedient child let us not be confirmed to the passions we followed in the past. Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.The expected life of Christians is to be like Christ. Peter urges us to be holy in all our conduct.

While Jesus was on this earth, he gave himself entirely to God. Bible says and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-- even death on a cross! His zeal for the holiness can be seen in the temple purification event. Jesus said my house will be called as house of prayer and you have turned it to den of robbers. We are the temple of God and God dwells in us and we must keep this temple holy and protect it from every filthiness of the world. In the previous verses we have seen how gracious our God is been to all of us. This privilege also involves responsibility.

How are we responding to this great love and grace has showered upon our life?

Ephesians 1:4 says God has chosen us in Christ “that we should be holy and without blame before him”. We are set part by the Lord for God’s exclusive use and pleasure. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. let me conclude by reading a verse from 2 Timothy 2:21“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will be a vessel for honourable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” So, may I encourage you all to surrender ourselves fully to God so that we would become a useful instrument in the hand of our master.