Impossible Mission?

1 Peter 1.1stGod had Peter record a challenging task for those who would be His. It appears early in Chapter 1 of his first letter.

“Be holy, because I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:16*

Maybe you read those words the way I did for many years.

“Be perfect, because I am perfect.”

But what if that’s not the intended message?
What if holy means something other than perfect?
What if the assignment isn’t meant to set you up for failure?

The word holy first appears in Exodus 19:5b-6, “Although the whole world is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” In all creation God chose the Israelites among all the peoples of the earth, making them a set apart community. Separate with a distinct relationship to illustrate His presence.

1 Peter 1.2ndThe how and more about the why appear in Moses’ next book.

“I am the LORD your God, consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy … I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God, therefore be holy, because I am holy.”  Leviticus 11:44a,45

To consecrate yourself means to devote yourself, to dedicate yourself to a specific person or purpose. The LORD calls His chosen ones to pursue such a single-minded path, one you go to Him to discover and enable you to complete. In doing so you not only demonstrate obedience. You reflect God Himself, separate from all other ‘gods’, and whose singular goal is to make His glory known as He provides peace and joy to those who are His own.

Choosing a personal connection apart from the distracting and hijacking glitter of this world allows you to experience a closeness with the One who made you, a closeness deeper than any other. What better, more beneficial way to express your gratitude to the One who rescued you from the trap of bondage no less severe than 400+ years in Pharoah’s Egypt?

1 Peter 1.3rdIf any confusion remains, let’s remember the words of the One who cannot lie. “Although the whole world is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

It’s not perfection He requires for He made you. He knows your frame is weak. It’s the focus of your heart and mind He wants. Your sins He forgives and your strength He yearns to be. Click To Tweet

So instead of thinking God wants perfect or nothing which ignites despair and results in a whole lot of nothing. Consider the invitation He’s actually offering and accept the commitment it requires.His blessings will abound throughout the ups and downs of your possible mission.

What’s holding you back today? Is the confusion and cost worth it? Click To Tweet

I pray His grace over you on this somber Memorial Day.
In The Lamb,
Sandra

*NIV1984 throughout my blog unless otherwise noted

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