What circumstances trigger anxiety for you? During my school-aged years I got nervous hearing of an upcoming science test, of picking teams for softball in P.E., or that my coach wanted me to swim butterfly in an upcoming meet. (I find science challenging, hate seeing balls flying at me–plus I throw “like a girl,” and practically drown swimming butterfly!)
Some adults fear tax time, an upcoming family reunion, or going to the dentist. Whatever the situation, we want to feel safe, confident, and assured that we’ll come through unscathed.
Unfortunately certain Bible passages strike fear in the hearts of Christians. One prime example, I Peter 1:15-16 (KJV), instructs, But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” One can practically hear a booming baritone voice (before a cowering congregation in some echoey British cathedral) severely demanding, “Be Ye HOLY!”.
Did God intend this passage to be declared or heard as a threat? I think not. Let’s look at the context.
Peter wrote to believing Jews scattered throughout Asia minor, believers who had suffered for their faith (vs. 1-2). He encouraged them to hold onto their faith, which would bring them through their trials (vs. 3-8). He reminded them that Old Testament Jews and even angels longed to know this grace under which New Testament believers now live (vs. 9-12). Because of this incredible gift, Peter encouraged them to keep level-headed and not return to their formerly lust-driven lives (vs. 13-14). Just as the God who offered them this free gift of grace and sanctified them is holy, they, too, should live in a holy manner.
Now what about this word “holy”? You might picture someone with their nose in the Bible all day, fasting for weeks on end, or checking off a long list of “Thou shalt nots”. In actuality, the New Testament word for holy simply means “set apart”.
Picture this: I have fancy china I only use on special occasions. Those plates never asked me to set them apart. I could serve frozen pizza on them or take them on picnics, but I choose instead to keep them separate. I paid a high price for them and therefore treat them as special.
In the same way, God paid a high price for us and set us apart. Paul echoed Peter’s message in I Corinthians 6:20, For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
As His “fine china” we shouldn’t behave like paper plates or cardboard takeout boxes. When Peter encourages us to “be holy” he simply means, “Act like who you really are!” And that requires us knowing who we really are–no longer disposable or common. Peter went on to say, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people . . .” (I Peter 2:9). God’s grace transformed us into something precious and dear to His heart. Let’s act like it.
Carrie, thanks. I never thought of “holiness” in the way you described it – I like that!