Devotions: Therefore

 

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:13-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

The word “therefore” is a literary note signifying that what is about to be said is based on what was said previously. The following verses should be interpreted in light of the previous verses. In this case, these verses are based on the first half of the chapter which talks about our sure salvation and living hope in the redemptive mercy and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That gives us cause to rejoice in spite of our suffering, as well as helping to grow and strengthen our faith. We have been given the ability to know God and understand His will. Therefore (as a result of this) we need to be prepared and sober, ready and alert. We need to hope only and completely in the grace of God and nothing else. It is imperative that we live by the word of God, obeying His commands as a child obeys a loving parent. As His children we should be like Him, pure and holy. In the King James, verse 14 reads “not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.” We chose how we act and who we look like. We need to make ourselves like Christ and not the world, giving up the way we used to be. How does the knowledge of God’s redemptive grace and mercy motivate you to act? Are you prepared and alert? Do you hope only and completely in Christ?