When we look at the world around us, it seems as if everything is defiled and impure. Our country, culture, and even the Lord’s people have begun to be corrupted by outside influences. These issues are not only plaguing and deteriorating the world around us, but even within our church families, we can see a decline in moral purity. We would be lying to ourselves if we pretended that Christians have been perfect in the eyes of the world. A glance at any recent news article reveals countless believers who have fallen victim to sin and the consequences of disobedience. This is a reality we must face, and we must accept the call to action and respond accordingly.
God has called us to be holy, and we must pursue purity in every area of life. When Peter writes to the Christians of the dispersion after Acts 7, one key reminder he gives them is this: “He who is holy has called us to be holy in all of our conduct” (1 Pt. 1:13). Holiness has been defined in many ways, but the definition that best fits the Christian life is “moral purity” or being “consecrated for God’s service.” If we are honest with ourselves, have Christians truly prioritized purity, or have we allowed other things to take over? The world has shifted to a “my truth” standard, which leads to moral decay and disobedience to God’s word. For this reason, we “must take heed, lest we fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).
So how should we approach these issues? I believe the writers of the New Testament have perfectly prepared us for this situation through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Peter writes that we must prepare our minds for action and refuse to be conformed to our former ignorance (1 Pt. 1:13–14). This passage correlates with Romans 12:1–2, where Paul emphasizes a similar message. One of the goals of the Christian life should be the continual pursuit of godliness, righteousness, and purity, since we have been freed from the chains of sin (Rom. 6:18). Pursuing these qualities requires complete obedience and the removal of all impurity from our lives. God has always called His people to be holy and set apart from the world around them. The only way we can do this is through His power, for He is the one who transforms us when we commit ourselves fully to Him.
Peter also reminds believers that God has richly blessed them, urging them to pursue holiness because they have “tasted the Lord’s goodness” (1 Pt. 2:3). When we look at our own lives, we realize that God has been abundantly good to us. His goodness is the foundation of our transformation, and it calls us to live with reverent fear of His power.
Christian Cherry
Dalraida church of Christ is a congregation of Christians that meet in the mid-town area of Montgomery, Alabama. Our goal and purpose is to seek and follow God and His Word in everything that we do in life.