Living as Children of God

Scripture: I Peter 1:13-21 13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your [a]stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with [b]corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was [c]manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.


Our drive should be to look more and more like the Lord
Allowing His truth to dominate my soul with one accord

He is always available and consistent with doing His part
So, my effort must be intentional for the makeover to start

He has written standards and expectations for all of us
The results should reflect in our words, thoughts, and conduct

Holiness is not a far-fetched plan without reason
Yet, it will not exist while we are continually disobedient

Yes, we can be Holy, but not by ourselves
It’s based on a relationship like a father to a child

So, His expectations should inspire how we are living
Our obedience will set us apart and make us look different

No longer should our former lust dictate the agenda
Our external expressions reflect our internal nature surrendered

As children, we ought to have the right fear of Him
Growing to look like Jesus by reaping what we’re sewing

Certainly, He will always hold us accountable
 Yet, He remains serious, just, fair, and attainable

Meanwhile, we should expect chastisement and consequences
It’s foolish to take for granted who provides and strengthens


Sometimes His commands and fearing Him are not enough
So, the Lord uses unfriendly matters to disturb and disrupt

Sometimes we need reminders of what we receive from Him
He delivers us from losing, so He can get the glory from our win

Ultimately, we are the Lord’s choices even before our creation
Knowing His coming in time, and for all time, is our divine aspiration

Prayer: Lord, we have so much to look forward to as we anticipate Your return. That’s our hope! Meanwhile, strengthen us as we fulfill our assignments on earth. Thank You for the reminders of your faithfulness, sovereignty, and love. Because of You, we know we have everything we need to get through. You are an awesome God! This prayer is lifted up in the name of Jesus, Amen!

(by Glenny Z. Moore)