Holiness According to the Truth
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 1:22-2:3
You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:23
Living well involves standards that we can describe as faithfulness and integrity.
A holy child of God lives by standards. He or she willingly submits to “the living and enduring word of God.”
God’s Word provides life. It is like a seed that grows to become a living tree. The roots of this tree enable believers to endure every season and storm (see Psalm 1).
God’s Word is also the Spirit’s CPR that revives hearts depleted by the endless assaults of sin and evil (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The purpose of God’s Word is always to nourish life and hope, inspiration and protection.
God’s Word is also light. It shines on our path to define the way we should walk (Psalm 119:105).
It makes clear, among other things, God’s desire for marriage, parenting, racial equality, and generous giving. Christians live not according to personal preference or cultural norm, but instead they pray, “Preserve my life, Lord, according to your word” (Psalm 119:107).
We are loved with God’s eternal truth and graced with his daily guidance. The critical question is “Will that be our confidence and compass?”
Lord, I love your Word. Help me to read it carefully and prayerfully. May I gain understanding from your precepts and hate every wrong path. I praise you for your Word. Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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