1 Peter 1:14 - The Call to Holiness
As Obedient Children
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:" - 1 Peter 1:14 (KJV)
In this verse, Peter emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God. As believers, we are called to be obedient children, imitating our heavenly Father. The phrase "not fashioning yourselves" is a command to break free from the sinful patterns of our past. It is a call to renounce the desires and lusts that once controlled us.
The Former Lusts
The "former lusts" refer to the sinful desires and passions that dominated our lives before we came to know Christ. These lusts were rooted in our ignorance of God's ways and our lack of understanding of His love. As believers, we are no longer to be controlled by these lusts, but rather by the love of God.
The Liberation of Obedience
The good news is that we are no longer slaves to our former lusts. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been liberated from the power of sin. We are now free to live a life of obedience to God, no longer bound by the desires of our flesh. This obedience is not a burdensome duty, but a joyful response to God's love.
The Key to Holiness
The key to living a life of holiness is to focus on God's love and to respond to it in obedience. As we meditate on God's love, we are empowered to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This is the essence of the Christian life: to love God and to obey Him, not out of duty, but out of a deep sense of gratitude and love for what He has done for us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 Peter 1:14 challenges us to live a life of obedience to God, free from the lusts of our former ignorance. As believers, we are called to live a life of holiness, empowered by God's love and enabled by His Spirit. May we respond to this call with joy and obedience, living a life that honors our heavenly Father.
