One House : 1 PeterSample

Be Holy

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’

1 Peter 1:13–16 ESV

While it's a common belief that personal transformation always demands hard work, the reality is that we are constantly changing, even when we aren't intentionally striving for change. The important question is, who are we changing into? Who are we becoming?

Peter says that unless our minds are guarded and sober, we can easily slip back into our former patterns of life. This is a change that takes no effort; it simply takes letting our guard down and allowing our minds to be preoccupied with the things of the world.

By contrast, we're told to fortify our minds—to prepare them for action. Our minds have to be ruled over, monitored, made to focus. This takes positive effort. So what are we supposed to focus on? Peter says, "set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." His point is that the return of Christ should not only occupy our minds, but it should change the way we live here and now.

"Prepare your minds for action."

"Be holy in all your conduct."