December 21 - Hebrews 13:1-25, 1 Peter 1:1-2:3

Good morning everyone, 

The book of 1 Peter was penned by Peter who was thought to be in Rome at the time suffering persecution at the hands of Emperor Nero. Throughout all of Rome Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith. Peter writes to the Christian Jews to comfort them with the hope of heaven and to challenge them to continually live holy lives. Peter also wants his readers to understand the grace of God. He wants every Christian to know what God has done for them and to learn more about Him.

1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” This gave me pause to wonder; “what do I look like to Joe Average on the street? How would I be identified? Oh there goes, “Matt’s wife”? Or “Karin’s mom?” Or hopefully “ a good Christian woman.” When we talk about an identity we are talking who we are as individuals and as a church. Right? Often, this identity is tied to our career; he’s a doctor, she’s a lawyer, that’s Bubba’s brother, (you get the picture) or our identity may also be tied to a political party, or where we serve in the church. However, a Christian identity is how God sees us and represents truly who we are, who we should be and how we should behave.  When we let that identity sink in and through us, it should transform our way of thinking, speaking and acting.  That is to say, we begin to live as God intended us to live. Make sense?

You’ll remember in Philippians 1:21 Paul told us, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”Paul was saying that everything he has tried to be, everything he is, and everything he looked forward to being pointed to Christ. From the time of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus until his martyrdom, every move he made was aimed at advancing the knowledge, gospel, and church of Christ. Paul’s singular aim was to bring glory to Jesus. 

During this season of the year it is easy to forget to “be holy in all we do” to live like Christ, as we get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle and joy of the “holiday season.” It is rare to even hear “Merry Christmas” when out shopping. In it’s stead we hear “Happy Holidays” as a replacement. In the past two weeks I have heard more honking horns, angry shouts, and seen more people telling someone they are #1 by waving their hand, (if you know what I mean) then in all of the rest of the year combined. Christians, friends, may I suggest we not get drawn into any of this and remember the reason for the season, remember the joy of the Lord as we are out in all the merry madness.

This is the season of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Let us purpose to bring Him glory and honor by being and acting holy as He is holy while we celebrate with our loved ones this precious gift to us from our loving Abba. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..