Peter 1-3

For me, holiness has always conjured up visions of wise souls whose actions are filled with kindness. I picture a holy life as one that is lived in either constant, sacrificial service to the needy, or as an isolated life of contemplation. Holiness seems to be more than “set apart.” It often seems lofty and unattainable.

This is not the picture that Peter paints in his letter, however. Peter’s brand of holiness is an everyday, get-your-hands-dirty-and-get-on-with-it, kind of holy. I guess that’s not too surprising since God used a fisherman to preach about being holy.

Peter describes holiness using strong action words. He urges us to prepare our minds for action, to be self-controlled and to set our hope on grace. Peter is adamant that we live as obedient children by not conforming to the evil desires that used to control us. He wants us to focus on this simple equation:

Jesus called you + Jesus is holy = Be holy

Even I can understand that kind of math. I also love the promise that is imbedded in it. Jesus is holy. Jesus lives in my heart. So, I can rely on His holiness to flow into every area of my life. Maybe today it will be enough for me to ask Him to remove any “holiness barriers” that are lodged in my heart. What about you?


Kathleen Tatro
May 13