Day 357

Godly Living

Read: 1 and 2 Peter

As we live our daily lives, we are to be inspired by the assurance of our future, “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Because of such hope, we are to “be holy yourselves in all your conduct” (v. 15). Peter shows us that we who trust in Christ now hold the privileged position once held by the people of the Old Testament: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (2:9). This is a description similar to that in Exodus 19:5-6. Again, the privileged position is to motivate us to live godly lives and “maintain good conduct” (v. 12).

Like Paul, Peter teaches us to respect the government. He tells servants to serve their masters faithfully. He tells husbands and wives to treat each other well “since you are joint heirs of the grace of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered” (3:7). You cannot expect your prayers to be heard if you are not treating your spouse lovingly!

In the second letter, Peter urges us to let faith produce a number of qualities culminating in godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:7). The sudden return of Christ is to be a powerful motive for personal godliness. “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in living lives of holiness and godliness” (3:11).

PRAYER
Father, in the midst of an immoral world, give us the strength to live godly lives. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.