In this walk of life, we are face with many challenges. These challenges will result in choices that must be made. These choices will affect us for the rest of our lives. Making the right choice can be complicated; however, doing what is right should always be the standard of life. Many jailhouses are full of individuals who decided against doing the right thing, and are now paying the price of not being able to enjoy their freedom. There are those who ended up in the electric chair because they made the wrong decision and had to pay the price, with their lives.
Today we are living in an open society. Many of the things that at one time seem to be taboo, are now the norm. Even in the church we are able to see a change, because the church feels it must change with the times. Now let me say this, time changes and people do to, but God is always the same, today, yesterday, and tomorrow. The Bible is the spoken Word to God's people, which imparts to us a higher standard of living, and in order to accept its teaching, we must be willing to forsake the things of this world and hold onto biblical principles. The problem here is, we don't want to be "different."
We are called to be different. The Bible tells us, "Do not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). We are to forsake the joys of this world and seek after a God who will one day return, "for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Apostle Peter wrote his first letter to the Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem. A people scattered throughout the known world, because of the persecution brought forth by the hand of Nero. Peter is no stranger to the avid Bible reader. We first get introduced to him in Matthew 4:18-20, "Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."
Lastly we see Jesus dining with the disciples which was the third time they had seen him after His resurrection. Peter had betrayed the Lord and the Lord sought this opportunity to restore and strengthen him. Three times the Lord asked Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these" (John 21:15). Peter was grieved that the Lord continued to ask the same question. Jesus asked him, "Do you love me?" Peter said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Finally Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."
In the first chapter of the Book of Acts, after the ascension, we see Peter taking the lead as they waited in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Peter remembered the word of Jesus, "feed my sheep." He preached a mighty sermon of conviction and 3,000 souls were saved and baptized.
Peter in his epistles saw what was happening all around him, therefore he made "a call to be different." Pagan religions of ancient times were often an excuse for vile indulgence in sensual pleasure. Temples were resorts of sin where worshipers came out worse than they were when they went in. Priests were teachers of lust and cruelty. Wild excesses were abundant.
Peter saw the only remedy to the excesses was for the people to take a stand against what was happening. He called out to the people to "be ye holy in all manner of life." To be holy was to be sacred, set aside, or consecrated to God. Peter wanted the people to separate themselves from the sins of the world and become holy unto God. Peter's call to be holy was supported from the Scriptures. In Leviticus 10:10, it is clear that God wanted the Jews to be a holy nation unto him. Thus He said, "And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean."
Holiness means separation from all that is impure, sinful, and morally wrong. Holiness is the character of God, distinguished from all evil in the created universe. The law given to Israel was a reflection of God's divine nature, a demand upon the people to be like Him and a threat of judgment upon all ungodliness. "Be ye holy, for I am holy," is a theme found throughout the Old Testament. The great end of salvation is to produce character and conduct which conforms to the holiness of God.
As Christians believers, we come to God from the sin of our prior life, and He justify us and exonerate us through faith. He takes us and purges us of all our sins. The process by which this is done is called sanctification. By the Lord accepting us into His holiness, we are able to attain that plateau of holiness which becomes apart of our daily living. Sanctification is an ongoing process for all believers.
No one can obtain holiness on their own. Peter outlines things that must be done and/or expected if we are to get to that state of holiness. So in 1 Peter 1:13-16 Peter tells us to, "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Be it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
The first thing he calls upon us to do is "Gird up the loins of your mind," which is a way of saying, collect your wits. Careless mental habits are indefensible. The Holy Spirit seems to have affinity for a trained mind. Academic training is not what this reference is about. It is a call for Christians to concentrate their mental processes and focus on the Father and not the world.
Peter reminds us to "be sober." This command had a double meaning. To be un-intoxicated and level headed. We are to forbid not only physical drunkenness, but we must fight against that intoxication that overcome us which inhibits spiritual alertness and laziness of mind and sin that leads us to carelessness.
Now Peter tells them to "hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." We are not to be controlled by the evil desires that characterize the life lived in ignorance of spiritual matters. Instead, our lives should befit those who have set their hopes on the grace that God will give, "as obedient children," waiting on that day when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Peter addressed his theme of Christian living, in a time of trial, by relating this life to the life to come. We now enjoy the blessing of Christ's last will and testament. We experience these blessings each and everyday, as we strive to be different.
"A call to be different," speaks of a life that is exemplified in Christ everyday, every moment, every hour, and every action. It should be seen in every aspect of our personality. It involves not only outward sin, but also maintaining an instinctive delight in God and His holiness.
Please allow me to expound as to how we can answer to "a call to be different:" First there should be "PREPARATION." Peter tells us to start by "gird our loin." Peter implores the believer to get ready for the new life in Christ. Gather everything together as we now journey, moving forward. It is as one preparing for battle.
There should be a TRANSFORMATION. In the transformation, it was now time to move away from that formal life, because we are to be obedient as we go forward, not looking back nor turning back.
There should be a SEPARATION. Separation, by accepting the holiness of God, we take on the character of God. We come out of the old way of life, and enter the new way of life. You must own and believe that you will no longer live a life of contradiction.
There should be an IMITATION. Imitation, we should delight in being like God, because He is our God and our Father. His holiness represents the best we can be. Therefore, we should delight in His excellence.
"A call to be different" is a message for today and everyday moving forward. By attending church and participating in the service, from the heart, we are showing our difference. By studying the Bible and showing ourselves approve, we are showing our difference. Our actions are saying that I am a part of something bigger than me, and the change is for the better, and not for the worst.
Please don't forget, as a child of God, you were bought with a price, it was not with neither silver of gold, nor the corruptible things of this world. It was the precious blood of Jesus. Corruption can't inherit incorruption. The corruptible things of this world can't redeem a soul. They are snares, temptations, and hindrances to our salvation. They by no means can purchase you your salvation. We were bought with a price, and the price is equal to the purchase. It was the innocent blood of a man who had never sinned, but He took upon Himself the sins of the world that we may have a right to the tree of life. He was that sacrifice, that Lamb without blemish, and without spot or stain, Jesus the precious Lamb of God. A call to be different magnifies the holiness of God within. Peter words are, "Be ye holy in all manner of life because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy."