1 Peter: Understanding How People Change

“Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NRSV‬‬


Series: 1 Peter: Being Formed Into the Image of Christ

Devotional: 4 of 4

Day by day, as we navigate the journey of life on the road to our Eternal home, God's will for our lives is that we might be fully transformed into His likeness so that we might partner with Him in advancing His kingdom here on earth. As apprentices of Jesus, we are called to a life of holy living and obedience to the ways of God. 

In his first letter, the Apostle Peter writes, "Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he [Jesus] who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:14-15 NRSV)

Throughout the letter, he provides examples of how we should conduct ourselves on our journey homeward. 1 Peter 2:1 says, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander." And just a few verses earlier, 1 Peter 1:22 tells us, "Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart."

However, in a culture hyper-focused on progress and accomplishment, it can be easy to misunderstand the Apostle Peter's repeated call to holy living and obedience to the ways of God.

Why? Because when it comes to behavior change, culture tells us that some combination of self-help, willpower, and determination is the path to becoming a better version of our current self in the future. Intentionally or inadvertently projecting culture's methods for how people change onto transformation in their spiritual lives can have catastrophic results. 

In contrast, becoming more like Jesus, or the process of being transformed into His image, happens from the inside out. Transformation happens in close proximity to His presence. In His presence, we are reminded of the Father's great mercy for us, which has given us a living hope found only in Christ's resurrection from the dead. (see 1 Peter 1:3-12)

Holy living and obedience to the Father's will then become the fruit of time well spent soaking in the presence of Jesus. In His presence, we receive grace upon grace, enabling us to discipline our mind and body for action through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Over time, holy living and obedience to Christ should result in a life of love for all people that we meet along our pilgrimage home. As His apprentices, we are called to "have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind." (See 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NRSV‬‬)


OnThe3rdDay Devotionals

Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.


RECOMMENDED READING

This is an affiliate link. Any purchase you might make helps support the ministry of OnThe3rdDay at no cost to you.


Previous
Previous

Fasting: A Posture of Surrender Focused on God

Next
Next

1 Peter: Suffering As a Result of Our Allegiance to Christ