Reuniting with an Old Friend
February 1, 2009
An assignment at seminary brought me back into close contact with a text that has meant enough to me over the years that I could describe it as an old friend. One of the benefits of old friends is that they can ask you hard questions about where you are in your Christian life. Here are some of the questions I was asked by Peter 1:13-19 this week.
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Is your hope fully set on the final revelation of Jesus? Or are many of your expectations tied up in pursuits this side of his return? Could you describe your mind as “prepared for action” and “sober” or are you inebriated-if only slightly-by the passing things of this age? Is your pursuit of knowing the world around you through news and entertainment always set against the backdrop of Christ’s coming?
“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.’”
Are you allowing yourself to fall back into thought patterns and desires that you used to partake in when you were ignorant of the God’s surpassing worth? Does your life reflect the conviction that he is in a class of his own compared to the pursuits of this world? Are you set apart from those around you in your desires? Is your holiness focused not only on what you avoid but what you pursue?
“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
When you call God “Father,” are you also remembering that he is an impartial judge? Do you fear the reality of his judgment, though you will be spared his wrath because of Christ’s blood for you? Are you daily living in the awareness of the price that was paid for you to belong to God? Are you in any way returning to the futile, fruitless, self-destructive ways from which Christ ransomed you? Are you enjoying the benefits of what Christ has accomplished for you?
May God continue to challenge us through his word,
Pastor Chris